A speedskating race is much like watching a track event. Speedskating is the fastest an individual can move under ones own power, sprinting around the track at about 35 miles per hour.

One of the most important tools to the speedskater is the equipment. Racing skates have longer blades than hockey or figure skates. Racing blades allow the racer to glide longer without losing speed. The speedskater's uniform covers from head to toe like a coat of paint to reduce wind resistance.

At the starting line the skaters take a unique stance. The position resembles a still photo of the beginning of a stroke. When the start gun fires, the skater continues the stroke with no time lost. After a few choppy strokes with arms swinging, the racer switches to a powerful rhythmic style stride. Long distance skaters conserve energy by placing an arm behind their back.

The Winter Olympic Games feature two speedskating events, the short and long track. Many different distant events are skated around the track.

The short track, also known as roller derby on ice, takes place on a 111 meter track that can fit in a hockey rink, and features pack racing. There are four to six racers at a time competing against each other. The first one across the finish line wins.

The long track takes place on an oval 400 meter track, about the size of a track and field track. Skaters skate in pairs and compete against the clock. The one with the fastest time wins.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff