Just Call Me Bonnie Blair

Every year I think I am going to pick a new sport but since the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, I have wanted to be Bonnie Blair. Speed Skating would be my sport if I were to compete in the Winter Olympics. Something about it intrigues me. I am not sure if it’s the movement, the fact that it’s simply a race against the clock, or even that it looks almost effortless…. But….. I would be all over that event like mice on cheese.

For those of you that just watch and don’t really know the rules, here is a “rule summary” of Speed Skating:

Collisions
To avoid collisions, right-of-way is given to the skater switching from the outer to the inner lane during crossovers. If there is a collision, the skater leaving the inner lane is
held responsible, unless the skater in the outer lane obstructs the other competitor.

Cutting the lines
Skaters are not allowed to cross the inner line of the curve at either end of the oval -- as defined by movable blocks placed on the ice -- to shorten the distance of the race. A violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

Disqualifications
Skaters may be disqualified from a race for the following violations:
• Making two false starts
• Crossing lines that divide the lanes
• Not changing lanes at the crossover point
• Interfering with other skaters during the lane change

In the team pursuit competition, if an individual skater is disqualified for a violation of the rules, his or her entire team is disqualified.

Falls
Skaters that fall during the race can get up and continue the event. If a skater falls just before the finish line, the time is recorded at the moment the competitor's skate crosses the line.

Fresh starts
Skaters can re-skate a race when they are victim to a serious interference, including the fall of an opponent or an obstacle on the track. If this happens, skaters are allowed 30 minutes to rest before repeating the event. The best time in the two heats will be used for the athlete's final score.

Interference
If a skater cannot stay in the inner lane within a curve because he or she is traveling at such a high speed, the athlete may cross into the other lane as long as he or she does not interfere with the competitor in the outer lane. The skater must then return to the inner lane or he or she will be disqualified.

And check out a clip from the 2009 World Cup: