30 Must-Know Speed Skating Terms, Phrases and Slang

Strap on your blades and get ready to glide into the fast-paced universe of speed skating!

These 30 cool terms will have you talking like a seasoned pro, cutting through the ice with the lingo of champions.

Ready to break the ice with speed skating slang?

On your mark… Set… Read!

Must-Know Speed Skating Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Apex
2. Block
3. Clap skate
4. Cornering
5. Drafting
6. Heat
7. Inline
8. Lap
9. Mass start
10. Oval
11. Pair
12. Qualifying
13. Rink
14. Seed
15. Split time
16. Time trial
17. Track
18. Transition
19. Turn
20. Aerodynamic
21. Bell lap
22. Double push
23. Final sprint
24. Interval start
25. Photo finish
26. Podium
27. Skate holder
28. Speed suit
29. Start line
30. Warm-up

#1 Apex

The apex is the tightest portion of the turn on a speed skating track, where skaters aim to maintain speed and optimal trajectory. Skaters often focus on their technique here to minimize time lost in the turn.

#2 Block

In short track speed skating, a block refers to a defensive move where a skater prevents another from passing, often by maintaining position on the inner part of the track. However, blocks must be legal and not impede competitors with physical contact.

#3 Clap skate

A clap skate, or hinged skate, features a blade that detaches from the heel allowing for a longer stride and more efficient transfer of energy. They revolutionized the sport in the late 1990s and are now widely used.

#4 Cornering

Cornering is the skill of navigating the turns in a speed skating rink, balancing centrifugal forces to maintain speed without losing control. Good cornering technique is essential for competitive skating and time efficiency on the track.

#5 Drafting

Drafting, also known as slipstreaming, occurs when a skater follows closely behind another to minimize air resistance. It’s a strategic move that conserves energy, allowing the drafting skater to potentially overtake later.

#6 Heat

A heat in speed skating is a preliminary race where competitors vie for a position in the subsequent rounds. It’s a part of the elimination process that determines the finalists in a competition.

#7 Inline

In the context of speed skating, “inline” refers to a type of skating performed on inline skates, which have their wheels arranged in a single line. Inline speed skating is similar to traditional ice speed skating in terms of dynamics and techniques but is performed on surfaces like roads and tracks.

#8 Lap

A lap is a complete circuit around the track or path being used for the race. In speed skating, both inline and on ice, the number of laps can vary depending on the distance of the race, ranging from short sprints to longer endurance races.

#9 Mass start

A race format in speed skating where all competitors start simultaneously instead of in pairs or small groups. It creates a dynamic and strategic race, with skaters jockeying for position throughout.

#10 Oval

Refers to the standard shape of the ice track used in long track speed skating, designed as an oval for skaters to race around. It enables consistent conditions for each athlete during competitions.

#11 Pair

In individual speed skating events, competitors are matched up to race in pairs on separate lanes of the track. This helps provide an immediate comparison between skaters’ performances.

#12 Qualifying

The process by which speed skaters compete against the clock to earn a spot in the racing heats. Fastest times will determine who advances to the next round or final.

#13 Rink

The ice surface where speed skating takes place. For short track, the rink is smaller, creating tighter turns, while a long track rink provides longer straightaways.

#14 Seed

A pre-determined ranking given to skaters based on their previous performances, which decides their positions and matchups in the starting heats of a competition.

#15 Split time

A time recorded at certain intervals along the skating track that indicates a skater’s pace. These are used to measure performance throughout a race.

#16 Time trial

An event where skaters race individually against the clock rather than directly against each other, with the fastest time determining the winner or rankings.

#17 Track

In speed skating, the track refers to the ice surface designated for competition, typically an oval shape with lanes for racing. It’s where skaters strive for their best times and compete side-by-side.

#18 Transition

The transition in speed skating is the crucial moment where a skater switches from one skating technique to another, such as from straightaway stroking to cornering. This precise maneuver is key for maintaining speed and balance.

#19 Turn

A turn is the curved part of the speed skating track where technique is critical. Skaters must navigate these with precision, leaning into the curve to maintain speed without losing balance or momentum.

#20 Aerodynamic

Aerodynamics is essential in speed skating, referring to the study of air resistance and its impact on movement. Skaters aim for aerodynamic efficiency through body position and specialized suits to maximize speed and minimize drag.

#21 Bell lap

The bell lap is the final lap of a speed skating race, signaled by ringing a bell. It’s a cue for skaters to give their utmost effort before the finish line, often triggering a sprint.

#22 Double push

Double push is a technique in inline speed skating where skaters generate propulsion not only on the inward stroke but also on the outward stroke of each skate cycle, enhancing their efficiency and speed.

#23 Final sprint

The final sprint refers to the last segment of the race where skaters give their maximum effort to finish strongly. This often involves tactical positioning and a burst of speed to outpace competitors in the closing stages of the race.

#24 Interval Start

In speed skating competitions, particularly in long-distance races, an interval start refers to the timed method of starting athletes at different intervals, usually 30 seconds apart, to spread them out on the track and prevent overcrowding.

#25 Photo Finish

When a race is so close that the winner isn’t immediately clear to the naked eye, a photo finish is used to determine the placement of the skaters by capturing a high-resolution image as they cross the finish line.

#26 Podium

The podium is the raised platform used for the medal ceremony following a race, where the top three finishers, first (gold), second (silver), and third (bronze), stand to receive their medals and celebrate their achievement.

#27 Skate Holder

This is a device used to securely hold a speed skater’s blade in place when sharpening the edges or making adjustments. It is crucial for maintaining the skate’s performance and safety.

#28 Speed Suit

A skin-tight, aerodynamic suit worn by speed skaters to reduce air resistance and improve performance on the ice. Made of specialized materials, a speed suit is designed to enhance mobility and speed.

#29 Start Line

The start line is the designated line on the ice track from which skaters begin their race. It is crucial for a fair start, as skaters must be positioned behind this line at the race’s commencement.

#30 Warm-up

In speed skating, warm-ups are essential pre-competition or training exercises. They prepare the body for the physical demands, boost blood flow to muscles, and minimize injury risks. Warm-up routines often involve stretching, light skating, and gradually elevating heart rate.

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