Speed skating is one of the fastest sports at the Winter Olympics. But just how fast are speed skaters in miles per hour (mph)? The answer might surprise you — elite athletes can reach speeds comparable to a car driving through a neighborhood.
Here’s a full breakdown of speed skating speeds by discipline.
Long Track Speed Skating Speed
Long track speed skating takes place on a 400-meter oval, similar to an outdoor track — but on ice.
Top Speeds:
- Peak speed: 35–40 mph
- Average 500m race speed: 33–37 mph
- 1,000m–1,500m average speed: 30–35 mph
Sprinters in the 500m event are the fastest athletes on ice. On straightaways, elite skaters can approach 40 mph, especially during record-setting performances.
Long track races are typically individual time trials, allowing skaters to maintain maximum speed without interference from other competitors.
Short Track Speed Skating Speeds
Short track speed skating is held on a smaller rink — the same size used for hockey — which limits top speed due to tighter turns.
Top Speeds:
- Peak speed: 30–35 mph
- Average race speed: 25–30 mph
Because athletes race in packs, short track involves frequent acceleration, braking, and sharp cornering. While slightly slower than long track, it’s often more chaotic and dramatic.
Marathon & Outdoor Speed Skating
Marathon speed skating events, especially in the Netherlands, can span dozens of miles across natural ice.
Average Speeds:
- 20–28 mph, depending on wind and ice conditions
Outdoor factors like temperature, ice quality, and headwinds significantly impact speed.
How Do Speed Skaters Compare to Other Athletes?
To put things in perspective:
- Average human sprinting speed: 15–20 mph
- Recreational cyclist: 12–18 mph
- NHL hockey player top speed: ~25 mph
- Elite speed skater: up to 40 mph
Speed skaters are among the fastest athletes in the world on ice.
Why Are Speed Skaters So Fast?
Several factors contribute to these incredible speeds:
1. Aerodynamic Position
Skaters maintain a deep crouch to reduce wind resistance.
2. Low-Friction Ice Surface
Ice provides far less friction than pavement.
3. Specialized Blades
Long track skaters use clap skates, which allow longer blade contact with the ice for greater power transfer.
4. Elite Leg Power
Speed skating demands explosive strength and endurance, particularly in the quadriceps and glutes.
Final Answer: How Fast Are Speed Skaters in MPH?
- Long track sprinters: Up to 40 mph
- Short track racers: Up to 35 mph
- Marathon skaters: 20–28 mph average
Speed skating is one of the fastest Winter Olympic sports, combining power, technique, and aerodynamics to produce breathtaking speeds.
If you’re watching the Winter Games, now you know — those athletes flying around the oval are moving at highway-like speeds on razor-thin blades.