Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating where athletes race against each other on a track. The sport can be performed on either an oval track or a straight course, with skaters using long blades attached to their boots to achieve high speeds. Races vary in distance, ranging from short sprints to longer endurance events. There are two main styles of speed skating: short track and long track. Short track involves racing on a smaller oval and includes more turns, while long track takes place on a larger oval with fewer turns. Both styles require skill, strategy, and physical endurance.