The Netherlands is considered by many to be the birthplace of speed skating Skates were used to travel over the canals in winter, and racing competition naturally developed The discipline has been a part of the Olympics since the first Winter Games in Chamonix in 1924, where only men competed Womens events were included in the 1960 Squaw Valley Games. Competition at the Olympics consists of ten events of varying distances for individuals, as well as a Team Pursuit.All events are skated once with the exception of the 500 meters, which consists of two heats with the final result based on total time of both races. In each event skaters race counterclockwise in pairs against the clock on a 400m oval. Skaters beginning in the outer lane wear a red armband; those on the inner lane wear a white armband.The athletes change lanes each lap on the back straight, with the skater passing from outside to inside given priority.

Website: http://www.sirlinksalot.net/speedskating.html