Prior to the 2002 Olympic games, the world record in the women's 500m short track race was 37.22 seconds. That means the skater's speed averaged at least 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour! The world record for the women's 5000m race is 6 minutes, 52.44 seconds. That is an average of 27.1 miles (43.6 kilometers) per hour! One factor helping skaters to improve their times is innovation in skate technology.

One of the most controversial changes in the recent history of speedskating involves use of clapskates, also known as slapskates. The blade on clapskates is attached by a hinge to the front of the boot. As a result, the blade will detach from the heel of the boot as the skater pushes with her calf muscles through the end of a stroke. Used by skaters in long track races, clapskates allow skaters to keep their blades on the ice slightly longer than with traditional skates, giving them more power and speed. While clapskates have been around for over a hundred years, it wasn't until inventors and engineers started working with biomechanics researchers that the technology was really developed for professional skaters.

Pictures and descriptions of long track speedskates demonstrate the difference between traditional and clapskates.

To read more, here is an article describing clapskates and the impact they have had on the sport.