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Speed skating             National Speed Skating Oval
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Jorien ter Mors (NED) 2018 Olympic champion, 1000m

“Ice Ribbon” Speed Skating Oval
Only new arena built at 2008 Beijing Olympic Park

400m oval track

Two skaters race against clock
Skaters change lane after each lap


ICE SPEED AND ALTITUDE
23 of 26 current world records set in Salt Lake City or Calgary, both high
altitude venues. Beijing is at sea level

Low altitude + Air pressure - High altitude
Slow 
+ Air resistance -   Fast
Air bubbles reduce ice density

Trapped air, low density
Higher density ice

Closely packed ice crystals

Freon refrigerant

Beijing uses CO2 refrigerant – freezes faster for consistent ice temperature and density

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Sources: Beijing 2022, China Daily Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS