Inline speed skating is a form of skating that focuses on speed competitions on skates with wheels aligned in a single row (inline). This form of skating is popular both as a competitive sport and as a recreational activity. I’ve stuck around to find out all about inline speed skating!
Open your Betano account and get up to 1,000 reais in bonuses.
Payments via PIX, live games and super odds!
Click here to open your account!
All about Inline Speed Skating: history
Inline skating gained popularity in the 1980s, although prototypes have existed since the 18th century;
The modern design was driven by the Rollerblade company, which introduced inline skates with a more stable and safer configuration;
Since then, inline skating has evolved significantly, with technological advances and diversification into various disciplines.
Read the end to understand everything about inline speed skating!
The first World Inline Speed Skating Championships took place in Monza, Italy, in 1937. The following year, London hosted the World Inline Speed Skating Rink Championships;
At the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, roller field hockey, played on four-wheeled skates, was included as a demonstration sport;
This was the first time that skaters had competed on an Olympic platform.
Read the end to understand everything about inline speed skating!
Inline speed skating made its debut as a demonstration sport at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing 2014;
Having been well received in China, the sport made its full debut at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires 2018, held at the Paseo de la Costa on October 7 and 8.
For Buenos Aires 2018, each National Olympic Committee (NOC) was allowed to qualify a maximum of two competitors, one per gender;
After the combined 500m sprint, 1000m sprint and 5000m elimination events, the Colombians excelled in the inaugural inline speed skating events, with Jhony Andrés Angulo Reina and Gabriela Isabel Rueda winning the gold medals.
Read the end to understand everything about inline speed skating!
All about Inline Speed Skating: rules and regulations
The rules of an inline speed skating competition are laid down by the International Skating Federation (World Skate). They are:
General rules
Equipment
- Skates: must be inline skates with aligned wheels. The wheels vary between 90mm and 125mm in diameter, depending on the category.
- Helmet: mandatory during all competitions.
- Uniform: tight, aerodynamic clothing to minimize air resistance.
- Protection: gloves, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are recommended but not compulsory.
Competition format
- Sprint races: short distances (200m, 500m), focused on bursts of speed.
- Middle distance races: intermediate distances (1000m, 3000m), balancing speed and endurance.
- Long-distance races: long distances (5000m or more), requiring high endurance.
- Elimination Races: competition where the last skater to cross the finish line in each lap is eliminated, until only one winner remains.
- Points races: skaters accumulate points in intermediate sprints during the race.
Read the end to understand everything about inline speed skating!
Start
- Mass Start: all skaters start together, and the starting position can be decided by lot or previous classification.
- Individual Start: in races against the clock, skaters start individually or in small groups at regular intervals.
Test conduct
- Finish line: the race ends when the skater crosses the finish line.
- Laps: in track races, the number of laps is determined by the distance of the race. On street circuits, the route is clearly marked.
Read the end to understand everything about inline speed skating!
Infringements and penalties
- Blocking: intentionally impeding the passage of another skater is prohibited.
- Bullying: intentional physical contact to gain an advantage is forbidden.
- Early start: leaving before the start signal results in a penalty or disqualification.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct: any unsportsmanlike behavior can lead to disqualification.
Trial
- Judges: officials are responsible for monitoring the race, checking for infractions and recording times.
- Photofinish: in races with tight finishes, photofinish technology can be used to determine the winner.
- Complaints: Skaters or their teams can submit complaints about the race, which are judged by the officials.
Read the end to understand everything about inline speed skating!
Specific rules for exams
Elimination Tests
Each lap (or at specific intervals), the last skater to cross the line is eliminated until only the finalists remain.
Proof of Points
Points are awarded in intermediate sprints and at the finish line. The skater with the most points wins.
Relay races
Teams of skaters take turns to complete the distance. Exchanges must take place within a specific zone.
Read the end to understand everything about inline speed skating!
All about Inline Speed Skating: types of rinks
Oval tracks
Many competitions are held on oval tracks, similar to cycling race tracks.
Street circuits
Some races take place on urban circuits, closing streets to create challenging routes.
Ice rinks
In winter, some competitions can be held on ice rinks, similar to ice speed skating;
All about Inline Speed Skating: skaters who stand out in the sport
Bart Swings (Belgium)
Bart Swings is one of the best-known inline speed skaters, having competed in several international competitions and won several medals at world championships. He has also excelled in ice speed skating and marathons.
Sang-Hwa Lee (Coreia do Sul)
Sang-Hwa Lee is a South Korean skater who, despite being best known for his speed skating on ice, also has a strong presence on the inline skating scene, with several victories in international competitions.
Jiang Yuhong (China)
Jiang Yuhong is a Chinese figure skater who has excelled in inline speed skating competitions, especially at the Youth Olympic Games, where she achieved remarkable results.
Emily West (USA)
Emily West is an American athlete who has excelled in inline speed skating competitions, with several medals in national and international championships, contributing to the growth of the sport in the USA.
Lucas Follonier (Switzerland)
Lucas Follonier is a Swiss skater who has excelled in various inline speed skating competitions, gaining recognition for his performances at world championships and international cups.
Did you like learning all about inline speed skating? Learn about other skating disciplines:
- All about Short Track Speed Skating: history, disciplines, rules and more!
- All about Speed Skating: history, categories and more!
- All about Figure Skating: history, categories, moves and more!
