SPEED SKATING

The first official speed skating competition was held in 1863, although records date back to the 1700s.

The origins of skating itself can be traced back to the years 700-900 to when relics of skates made from animal bones can be traced.

Some even claim there is evidence of skating some 1,000 years before that.

The first speed skating World Championships were held in 1889 in the Netherlands and were won by American Joe Donoghue, who went on to retain the title two years later.

Normally world speed skating competitiors participate in several races with their rankings being determined by the total times for each event.

However at the Olympics, to be held at Nagano City each event is a medal event, there being five this year (500m, 1000m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m for men and 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m and 5000m for women).

Germany's Gunda Niemann took the overall female gold in the recent World championships and that success suggests she can add to her already impressive tally of five Olympic golds.

In the men's event Dutchman Ids Postma took gold. These two results mean the old guard of Holland and Germany could again dominate this event.

© PA Sporting Life