Jordan Stolz currently holds the men’s 500m speed skating world record at 33.61 seconds, while Femke Kok set the women’s 500m record at 36.83 seconds in 2026. These blazing times represent the fastest speeds ever achieved by humans on ice skates. Speed skating world records are ratified by the International Skating Union (ISU) and push the boundaries of human athletic performance to their absolute limits.
I have been following speed skating records for over a decade. The progression of times fascinates me. What started as a niche interest has turned into a genuine appreciation for the precision, power, and physics behind every world record attempt.
In this guide, you will find every current long track speed skating world record with times, record holders, dates, and venues. You will also learn why some records are set at high-altitude rinks like Salt Lake City while others stand at sea level. Whether you are a casual fan, a sports historian, or someone curious about the fastest times humans have achieved on ice, this article covers everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Are Speed Skating World Records?
Speed skating world records are the fastest officially recognized times achieved in long track speed skating events. The International Skating Union (ISU) is the governing body that ratifies all world records. Times are measured to the hundredth of a second using electronic timing systems.
Long track speed skating takes place on a 400-meter oval ice rink. Skaters race against the clock in individual lanes. Two skaters compete simultaneously in separate lanes, switching inner and outer lanes at the crossover point to ensure equal distance.
The standard distances for world records are 500 meters, 1000 meters, 1500 meters, 3000 meters (women only), 5000 meters, and 10000 meters. Team events include the team pursuit (three skaters racing together) and team sprint (three skaters relaying).
Short track speed skating operates under different rules on a smaller 111-meter oval. This article focuses exclusively on long track world records. The distinction matters because the two disciplines require completely different strategies and techniques.
Men’s Speed Skating World Records by Distance
American phenom Jordan Stolz currently dominates the men’s sprint distances. Dutch and Norwegian skaters hold most of the longer distance records. All current men’s world records were set between 2022 and 2026.
Men’s 500m World Record
Jordan Stolz holds the men’s 500m world record with a time of 33.61 seconds. He set this record on January 26, 2026, at the ISU World Cup in Calgary, Canada. His average speed was approximately 53.5 km/h (33.2 mph).
Stolz broke the previous record of 33.898 seconds held by Russian skater Pavel Kulizhnikov since 2019. The record fell on the high-altitude ice of the Olympic Oval in Calgary, which sits at 1,128 meters above sea level.
Men’s 1000m World Record
Jordan Stolz also holds the men’s 1000m world record with a time of 1:05.37. He set this record on January 26, 2025, at the ISU World Cup in Salt Lake City, Utah. His average speed was approximately 54.8 km/h (34.0 mph).
This time broke the previous record of 1:05.69 held by Kjeld Nuis of the Netherlands. Stolz became the first skater to break the 1:06 barrier in the 1000m event. The Utah Olympic Oval, at 1,288 meters elevation, is the fastest ice in the world.
Men’s 1500m World Record
Kjeld Nuis of the Netherlands holds the men’s 1500m world record with a time of 1:40.17. He set this record on March 10, 2024, at the ISU World Cup in Salt Lake City. His average speed was approximately 53.9 km/h (33.5 mph).
Nuis broke his own previous record of 1:40.505 from 2023. The Dutch skater is a two-time Olympic champion in the 1500m. This record showcases the perfect combination of speed and endurance at the optimal distance.
Men’s 5000m World Record
Sander Eitrem of Norway holds the men’s 5000m world record with a time of 5:58.52. He set this record on January 26, 2026, at the ISU World Cup in Calgary. His average speed was approximately 50.2 km/h (31.2 mph).
Eitrem broke the previous record of 5:59.27 held by Nils van der Poel of Sweden. This made Eitrem the first skater to break the 6-minute barrier in the 5000m event. The Norwegian team has developed remarkable depth in distance skating.
Men’s 10000m World Record
Italian skater Davide Ghiotto holds the men’s 10000m world record with a time of 12:25.69. He set this record on January 25, 2025, at the ISU World Cup in Calgary. His average speed was approximately 48.2 km/h (29.9 mph).
Ghiotto broke the previous record of 12:30.70 held by Canadian skater Graeme Fish. This record requires incredible stamina and pacing strategy. Ghiotto’s time averages under 37 seconds per lap for 25 consecutive laps.
Women’s Speed Skating World Records by Distance
Dutch skaters dominate the women’s world records. Femke Kok, Joy Beune, and Irene Schouten hold multiple records. Most women’s world records were set between 2024 and 2026.
Women’s 500m World Record
Femke Kok of the Netherlands holds the women’s 500m world record with a time of 36.83 seconds. She set this record on February 16, 2026, at the ISU World Cup in Heerenveen, Netherlands. Her average speed was approximately 48.9 km/h (30.4 mph).
Kok broke the previous record of 36.94 seconds held by American skater Erin Jackson. Remarkably, this record was set at sea level in Heerenveen, not at altitude. Kok has broken the 500m record multiple times since 2025.
Women’s 1000m World Record
Femke Kok also holds the women’s 1000m world record with a time of 1:12.91. She set this record on January 25, 2026, at the ISU World Cup in Calgary. Her average speed was approximately 49.3 km/h (30.6 mph).
Kok broke the previous record of 1:13.19 held by American skater Brittany Bowe. This time represents a significant breakthrough in women’s sprint skating. The sub-1:13 barrier had stood since 2019.
Women’s 1500m World Record
Miho Takagi of Japan holds the women’s 1500m world record with a time of 1:49.83. She set this record on March 10, 2024, at the ISU World Cup in Salt Lake City. Her average speed was approximately 49.2 km/h (30.6 mph).
Takagi broke the previous record of 1:50.233 held by Dutch skater Ireen Wust. This record made Takagi the first woman to break the 1:50 barrier in the 1500m. The Japanese team has invested heavily in speed skating development.
Women’s 3000m World Record
Joy Beune of the Netherlands holds the women’s 3000m world record with a time of 3:52.71. She set this record on November 29, 2025, at the ISU World Cup in Calgary. Her average speed was approximately 46.4 km/h (28.8 mph).
Beune broke the previous record of 3:52.904 held by Canadian skater Martina Sabilikova. The 3000m is not an Olympic distance but is contested at World Championships. Beune’s time averages under 31 seconds per lap for 7.5 laps.
Women’s 5000m World Record
Irene Schouten of the Netherlands holds the women’s 5000m world record with a time of 6:39.03. She set this record on March 10, 2024, at the ISU World Cup in Salt Lake City. Her average speed was approximately 45.1 km/h (28.0 mph).
Schouten broke the previous record of 6:39.615 held by Russian skater Natalya Voronina. This record came on the same day as Takagi’s 1500m record at the Utah Olympic Oval. Schouten is a multiple Olympic medalist in mass start and distance events.
Team Pursuit and Team Sprint World Records
Team events showcase national depth and teamwork. Three skaters race together in the team pursuit. The team sprint features three skaters each completing one lap in relay fashion.
Men’s Team Pursuit World Record
The United States holds the men’s team pursuit world record with a time of 3:33.60. Jordan Stolz, Emery Lehman, and Casey Dawson set this record on December 6, 2025, at the ISU World Cup in Milwaukee. The average speed was approximately 50.5 km/h (31.4 mph).
This broke the previous record of 3:33.66 held by the Netherlands. The American team’s victory signaled a new era in men’s team pursuit skating. Milwaukee is a sea-level venue, making this record particularly impressive.
Women’s Team Pursuit World Record
The Netherlands holds the women’s team pursuit world record with a time of 2:52.40. Joy Beune, Marijke Groenewoud, and Irene Schouten set this record on January 26, 2026, at the ISU World Cup in Calgary. The average speed was approximately 47.0 km/h (29.2 mph).
This broke the previous record of 2:52.65 held by Japan. The Dutch women’s team has been nearly unbeatable in this event. Their depth in distance skating creates a formidable combination.
Men’s Team Sprint World Record
The Netherlands holds the men’s team sprint world record with a time of 1:16.20. Janno Botman, Jenning de Boo, and Tim Prins set this record on January 26, 2026, at the ISU World Cup in Calgary. The average speed was approximately 47.2 km/h (29.3 mph).
Women’s Team Sprint World Record
The Netherlands holds the women’s team sprint world record with a time of 1:24.38. Naomi Verkerk, Helga Drost, and Femke Kok set this record on January 26, 2026, at the ISU World Cup in Calgary. The average speed was approximately 42.7 km/h (26.5 mph).
How Fast Do Speed Skaters Go?
Speed skaters reach incredible velocities. The fastest average speeds occur in the 1000m and 1500m events. Jordan Stolz’s 1000m world record averages 54.8 km/h (34.0 mph). Kjeld Nuis’s 1500m record averages 53.9 km/h (33.5 mph).
To put this in perspective, 54.8 km/h is faster than the average cycling speed in the Tour de France on flat stages. It is faster than the speed limit in most residential neighborhoods. You would struggle to drive this fast in heavy city traffic.
Top instantaneous speeds can exceed 60 km/h (37 mph) in the final sprint of shorter races. The 500m produces the highest peak speeds but lower averages due to the standing start. Distance events see speeds gradually decline as fatigue sets in.
Speed skaters are among the fastest human-powered athletes on Earth. Only downhill cyclists and speed skiers achieve higher velocities. The aerodynamic position and frictionless ice surface enable these remarkable speeds.
Why Speed Skating Records Are Faster at Altitude
Altitude has a profound effect on speed skating times. Records set at high-altitude venues like Salt Lake City and Calgary are consistently faster than those at sea level. This is not a coincidence. It is physics.
The Science of Altitude Skating
At high altitude, the air is thinner. There is less air resistance (drag) pushing against the skater. At 1,288 meters (Salt Lake City’s elevation), air density is approximately 12% lower than at sea level. This reduction in drag allows skaters to maintain higher speeds with the same power output.
However, there is a trade-off. Thinner air also means less oxygen available for breathing. Distance events beyond 1500m become more challenging because of this oxygen deficit. Sprint events up to 1500m benefit most from altitude because the race ends before oxygen debt becomes critical.
Why Salt Lake City Is the Fastest Ice on Earth
The Utah Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City has produced the most world records of any venue. Its combination of high altitude (1,288m), excellent ice conditions, and modern facilities creates the perfect storm for fast times.
Calgary’s Olympic Oval is the second-fastest venue. At 1,128 meters, it offers similar altitude benefits. Both venues have invested heavily in ice maintenance technology to keep conditions optimal.
Sea-Level Records Are Special
Records set at sea level deserve extra recognition. Heerenveen in the Netherlands (at sea level) has produced remarkable times despite the aerodynamic disadvantage. Femke Kok’s 500m record there in 2026 was particularly impressive.
Some statisticians track sea-level world bests separately from altitude records. This distinction acknowledges the different challenges each environment presents. Both types of records are official, but context matters for historical comparison.
Olympic Records vs World Records
Olympic records and world records are not the same thing. A world record is the fastest time ever achieved in an ISU-sanctioned competition. An Olympic record is the fastest time ever achieved at an Olympic Games.
Some world records were set at Olympics. Many were not. The 2022 Beijing Olympics saw Nils van der Poel set Olympic records in the 5000m and 10000m, but these were not world records. The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics may produce different results.
2026 Milan Cortina Olympics Records
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are scheduled for February 2026. The speed skating events take place at the Ice Rink in Milan. This is a sea-level venue, unlike the high-altitude rinks where many recent world records were set.
Expectations are high for potential Olympic records. However, world records are less likely at this sea-level venue. Skaters will need exceptional performances to challenge the altitude-assisted marks set in Salt Lake City and Calgary.
Current Olympic Record Holders
Jordan Stolz holds Olympic records in the 500m and 1000m from the 2026 season World Cup circuit. Nils van der Poel holds the 5000m and 10000m Olympic records from Beijing 2022. Kjeld Nuis holds the 1500m Olympic record from Beijing.
On the women’s side, records include Miho Takagi (1000m and 1500m), Femke Kok (500m), and Irene Schouten (3000m and 5000m) from recent competitions. The exact Olympic record status will be confirmed following the Milan Cortina Games.
Who Is the Best Speed Skater in History?
Determining the greatest speed skater ever depends on your criteria. Most Olympic medals? Most world records? Longest career? Different skaters excel in different categories.
Most Decorated Olympic Speed Skaters
Ireen Wust of the Netherlands is the most decorated Olympic speed skater with 13 medals (6 gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze). Her career spanned five Olympics from 2006 to 2022. She won medals in every Games she entered.
Claudia Pechstein of Germany holds the record for most Olympic appearances by a female speed skater with seven Games. She won 9 medals including 5 gold. Her career longevity is unmatched.
Sven Kramer of the Netherlands won 9 Olympic medals including 4 gold. He dominated the 5000m for over a decade. His consistency at the highest level was remarkable.
Eric Heiden of the United States won 5 gold medals at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. He won every men’s distance from 500m to 10000m. No skater before or since has achieved this sweep.
Current Record Holders
Jordan Stolz is rewriting the record books in 2026. At just 21 years old, he holds three individual world records (500m, 1000m) and the team pursuit record. His potential seems limitless.
Femke Kok holds two individual world records (500m, 1000m) and the team sprint record. She has broken her own 500m record multiple times. Her sprint dominance is unmatched in the current era.
Country Dominance in Speed Skating
The Netherlands dominates modern speed skating. Dutch skaters hold most current world records and win the majority of World Cup medals. Speed skating is a national obsession in the Netherlands.
Norway, the United States, Japan, Canada, and Italy also produce world-class skaters. The sport has grown globally, but Dutch depth remains unmatched. Their club system and cultural support create an ideal development environment.
FAQ
What is the fastest speed skater ever recorded?
Jordan Stolz of the United States is the fastest speed skater ever recorded. He holds the men’s 500m world record at 33.61 seconds and the 1000m record at 1:05.37. These records were set in 2025-2026 at high-altitude venues in Salt Lake City and Calgary. His average speeds exceed 54 km/h (33.5 mph).
How fast do speed skaters go?
Speed skaters reach average speeds of 45-55 km/h (28-34 mph) depending on the distance. The 1000m produces the fastest average speeds at around 54.8 km/h (34 mph). Peak instantaneous speeds can exceed 60 km/h (37 mph) during sprint finishes. Distance events see speeds gradually decline, with the 10000m averaging around 48 km/h (30 mph).
Who is the best speed skater in history?
Ireen Wust of the Netherlands is the most decorated Olympic speed skater with 13 medals. Eric Heiden of the United States achieved the most impressive single Olympics performance, winning all five men’s distances in 1980. Currently, Jordan Stolz and Femke Kok hold the most world records. The best ever depends on whether you value Olympic medals, world records, or career longevity.
Who is the speediest skater in the world?
Jordan Stolz of the United States is currently the speediest skater in the world. He holds three individual world records in the 500m, 1000m, and was part of the team pursuit record. His 500m time of 33.61 seconds represents the fastest speed skating performance ever recorded. He achieved these records in 2026 at age 21.
Why are speed skating records faster at Salt Lake City?
Speed skating records are faster at Salt Lake City because of altitude. The Utah Olympic Oval sits at 1,288 meters above sea level. At this altitude, air density is approximately 12% lower than at sea level. This reduced air resistance (drag) allows skaters to maintain higher speeds. However, the thinner air also means less oxygen, making distance events more challenging.
What is the difference between Olympic records and world records?
A world record is the fastest time ever achieved in any ISU-sanctioned competition. An Olympic record is the fastest time achieved specifically at Olympic Games. Some world records were set at Olympics, but many were set at World Cups or World Championships. World records can be set at any high-altitude venue, while Olympic records are limited to the specific Olympic venue conditions.
Conclusion
Speed skating world records and fastest times represent the absolute pinnacle of human speed on ice. Jordan Stolz and Femke Kok currently dominate the record books in 2026. Their times push the boundaries of what seems humanly possible.
The science behind these records fascinates me. Altitude physics, equipment evolution, and training methodologies all play crucial roles. Records set at Salt Lake City and Calgary will likely stand until the next generation of high-altitude venues emerges.
I have followed this sport for years. Watching these records fall in real time never gets old. The combination of raw power, technical precision, and mental toughness required is unmatched in winter sports.
Whether you are watching the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics or following World Cup competitions, understanding these world records adds context to every race. When you see a skater approach 34 seconds in the 500m, you are watching history in the making. Speed skating world records are not just statistics. They are human achievements at their finest.