Speed Skating Tha Fast And Elegant Sport Essay Example
Speed Skating Tha Fast And Elegant Sport Essay Example

Speed Skating Tha Fast And Elegant Sport Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (411 words)
  • Published: July 29, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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The origins of ice skating, including speed skating, can be traced back to Holland in the 13th century when it was used as a mode of transportation. Speed skaters aim to outperform one another by covering a specific distance while wearing ice skates.

Speed skating is an elegant and fast-paced sport that occurs in a skating rink, reaching speeds of more than 50 kmph. There are three categories: marathon speed skating, short track speed skating, and long track speed skating.

The Winter Olympics feature two forms of speed skating: 'speed skating' for the long track and 'short track' for shorter races. Although it was originally a men's event, dating back to its debut at Chamonix in 1924, speed skating remains an important Olympic sport. The inclusion of women's events came later, with the Squaw Valley Games in 1960 being the first

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official occasion. Olympic speed skating takes place on a specialized oval ice rink spanning 400 meters.

Both the men's and women's Olympic Games feature team pursuit, 500m, 1000m, 1500m, and 5000m events. However, the women also compete in the 3000m event. The skaters participate in pairs and skate in lanes. During every lap, they switch lanes to ensure an average distance.

The team pursuit event was first introduced at the Turin Olympics in 2006. A group of three athletes from each team takes part, competing against each other. The skaters alternate taking advantage of the air currents. The race ends when the last skater from the team crosses the finish line. A series of elimination rounds takes place leading up to the final race. Equipment for speed skating includes blades, where longer ones result in faster skating.

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The length of the blade should not impede the skater. The racing blade's underside should have a thickness of only 1mm. Armbands differentiate the lane of skaters - those in the outer lane wear red armbands, while those in the inner lane wear white armbands. Glasses protect skaters' eyes from ice chips and wind. The lenses are anti-glare and improve track visibility.

Clap skates, which differ from conventional skates in that the heel of their blades is not fixed to the boot, hinge at the toe to achieve this connection. Meanwhile, to reduce wind resistance as much as possible, speed skaters must wear skin-tight suits with attached hoods that integrate smoothly with their bodies.

It is prohibited to attach or insert any objects or devices into the suit in order to alter its shape.

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