Speed skating at the 1932 Winter Olympics

At the 1932 Winter Olympics, four speed skating events were contested. For the only time in the Olympic history, the speed skating were held as packstyle events, having all competitors skate at the same time. This competition form was not common in Europe and gave the runners from the United States and Canada a major advantage over the European rivals. Only two medals went to Europeans. Women were allowed to compete but only as part of demonstration sport events. The distances for women were 500 m, 1000 m and 1500 m. The packstyle racing would pave the way for short track speed skating, that would debut as a demonstration event at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary before becoming an official Olympic event at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville.

The men's competitions were held on Thursday, February 4, 1932, Friday, February 5, 1932, Saturday, February 6, 1932, and on Monday, February 8, 1932. The women's events were contested from Monday, February 8, 1932 to Wednesday, February 10, 1932.

Medal summary

References

* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/athletes/results/search_r_uk.asp International Olympic Committee results database]
* [http://www.aafla.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1932/1932w.pdf "III Olympic Winter Games Lake Placid 1932", 1932 (digitized version)]