The Winter Olympics are under way in Sochi, Russia where numerous countries are competing for the gold. In this blog, I will be discussing speed skating, based on what this sport actually is and who has been successful so far in the event.

There are two different types of speed skating; long track which is a typically timed race and short track including different distances of 5000m, 3000m, 1500m, 1000m, and 500m for both women and men.

The Netherlands seem to breed good speed skaters, considering they have excelled at the event for many years. On Feb. 8, Sven Kramer of the Netherlands took gold for the men’s 5000m. The next day Ireen Wüst claimed gold for the ladies’ 3000m. To clutch gold for the Netherlands once again, Michel Mulden took the title in the men’s 500m.

Overall, the Netherlands have eight medals, Russia gained two, and South Korea and Czech Republic hold one for speed skating. Although Team USA did not finish too strong in this event, it is still exciting to watch.

The U.S. has 10 men and 10 women on the speed skating team. These 20 men and women are looking to continue the success of former Olympian Apolo Anton Ohno. Some people may be familiar with the short track speed skater from having great success and winning several medals in past winter Olympics.

This is only a glimpse of events at the 2014 Winter Olympics. I hope this blog will keep viewers updated on the latest games!