Olympic speed skaters skate in pairs but are basically racing against the clock to get a better time than skaters in other heats.
The races are held on a 400 meter oval, and speed skaters must change lanes on the back straightaway of each lap. The most recent gold medal winner was Shani Davis of the United States who has won gold twice.
The 1000 meter speed skating competition was introduced to Winter Olympic competition in 1976. Other Americans winning the gold medal include Dan Jansen in 1994 and Peter Mueller in 1976. Eric Heiden of the United States won the event in 1980 when he swept all five speed skating medals.
Men's 1000M Speedskating Medal Winners
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Olympic speed skaters skate in pairs but are basically racing against the clock to get a better time than skaters in other heats.