What speeds can speed skaters reach?

TORINO, Italy (CNN) -- Speed skating evolved in The Netherlands as far back as the 13th century, with skaters streaming across frozen canals to relay messages between cities. Races began in The Netherlands in the late 17th century, but the first international competition was not held until 1863, in Norway. Short track speed skating started to establish itself near the turn of the 20th century, as long-track skaters used smaller, indoor rinks to practise sprinting and turning techniques year-round.

Initially, skaters would compete in either discipline, but racers were forced to specialize as short track events became full-fledged Olympic sports. Speed skaters race in pairs counter-clockwise around a 400-meter oval rink, with the lowest time winning. Athletes compete in sprint events of 500 meters and 1,000 meters for men and women or in distance races of 1,500 meters (men and women), 3,000 meters (women only), 5,000 meters (men and women) and 10,000 meters (men only).

Two races are held in the 500-meter event, with the lowest aggregate winning.