The Real Science of Sport Podcast WINTER OLYMPIC SPECIAL: Speed Skating 101
Feb 6, 2026
Florentina 'Fleur' Hettinga, a professor of Human Movement Sciences and former skater, explains the science behind speed skating. She dives into equipment and skate design, technique differences between long and short track, aerodynamic suits and pacing strategy. Hear about training methods, ice physics and which race formats are most thrilling to watch.
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Maintain Sharp, Tuned Blade Edges
- Keep blades sharp and tuned; tiny edge issues noticeably alter a skater's feel and lap times.
- Either sharpen blades yourself for control or use a trusted specialist for consistent edges.
Training Is Mostly Off-Ice
- Most speed-skater training is off-ice, with cycling and strength work substituting for limited ice time.
- Hettinga cited high cycling volumes and slide-board innovations as key training adaptations.
Tight Turns Create One-Leg Ischemia
- Tight turns cause asymmetric muscle occlusion that makes short-track feel more tiring than comparable long-track efforts.
- That one-leg ischemia reduces recovery and raises perceived effort in short-track races.