Can someone help me with this?

Question

I heard that speed skating races are usually held above sea level because it makes them go faster. Can someone tell me if this is true and if it is can you show me where to find more info about it?

Answer 1

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/speed-skating/news/newsid=31864.html



Built a mere four metres above sea level, the ice freezes differently than at higher altitudes and has been described by athletes as feeling heavy and sticky. Atmospheric pressure and humidity make the air feel thicker than at speedier tracks in Calgary and Salt Lake.

Answer 2

No, no, it's about the ice.



Actually sea level makes it easier for your body to absorb more oxygen, so it should theoretically make the athletes go faster.



BUT it's about the humidity ruining the ice surface. Richmond's ice would naturally pale in comparison to places like Calgary or Salt Lake City (two cities well over a mile above sea level, that are dry and cold in the winter time).



The ice in those climates is hard, dry, and hard to toil with. So the ice is much more conducive for speed skating events.



The organizers in Richmond know this, that's why they've taken extra measures to ensure the humidity doesn't ruin the ice.

Answer 3

I think what you mean is that the fastest speed skating is done at high altitude. All of the current world records were set at either Salt Lake City (4200 ft) or Calgary (3400 ft), Prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the track at Medeo (5500 ft), in what is now Kazakhstan, was famous for producing very fast times.

Answer 4

Yes it is true, because being below sea level will make the ice they skate on my watery.

Answer 5

If they weren't held above sea level they'd be in the water...no?

Answer 6

This is true. Underwater speed skating is much slower.

Answer 7

omfg don't listen to these tards. there are lots of places with DRY LAND that are below sea level.

example:



aaaaa _aaaaaa_aaaaaa

aaaaa/g\aaaa /g \aaaaa

____/gg \aaa /gg \____

ww /gggg\aa/gggg\www

ww/ggggg\_/ggggg\ww



the 'a's represent air. the 'w's represent water. the horizontal line is the sea level. the 'g's are ground. you can see that the area in the middle still has air in it, even tho it is below sea level.