There are many extraordinary people that know how to skate really fast. All three are now features of the Winter Olympic games. Jackson Haines, an American, revolutionized figure skating in the 1860s, skating to music, bringing balletic movements to ice, and creating new ones. One of the most beautiful and graceful events in all sport, international figure skating requires skaters to perform a short program that includes mandatory jumps and skills, and then a longer program of free selection, both set to music. Judging is subjective and often controversial.
Speed skating is a very exciting and intense sport.
I found a lot of information on a lot of great skaters. A little information to know. The earliest skates made of bone were found in Sweden. Wooden skates with iron facings appeared in the 14th Century. Skates made entirely of iron were introduced in the 17th Century.