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Speed Skating Innovation: Two Hands on Back Improves Race Times
Speed skaters at the World Single Distances Championships in Hamar, Norway, are adopting a new technique of skating with both hands on their backs, reducing air resistance and potentially improving race times by 0.4 seconds per lap, based on research by TU Delft and NOC*NSF. This follows similar innovations such as aerodynamic helmets, highlighting the constant search for marginal gains in the sport.
- What is the impact of the new speed skating technique of skating with both hands on the back, and how does it affect race times?
- At the World Single Distances Championships in Hamar, Norway, many speed skaters are adopting a new technique: skating with both hands on their backs, even in turns. This technique, pioneered by Chris Huizinga in 2022, reduces air resistance by approximately 4 percent, potentially shaving 0.4 seconds off a lap.
- What research supports the claim that this new speed skating technique improves performance, and what are the potential drawbacks?
- This innovation, driven by the pursuit of faster times ahead of the 2026 Milan Olympics, is based on research by TU Delft and NOC*NSF showing significant aerodynamic advantages. Davide Ghiotto recently broke the 10km world record using this technique, and Ragne Wiklund is a top contender in the women's 3km race, also using it.
- What other innovations in speed skating equipment or technique are being explored to improve performance, and what are their potential long-term implications for the sport?
- The adoption of this technique and other innovations like aerodynamic helmets highlights the ongoing search for marginal gains in speed skating. While the benefits of helmets are still debated due to the dynamic nature of skating, the two-hands-on-back technique is likely to be widely adopted due to its clear time advantage.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the adoption of the new skating technique and helmet use as inevitable and positive advancements, highlighting the potential for speed increases. The language used is enthusiastic and promotes the innovation. The headline itself, though not explicitly biased, contributes to this positive framing by focusing on the novelty of the techniques.
Language Bias
The article uses words like "opmerkelijke" (remarkable), "innovatie" (innovation), and "goud" (gold) to describe the new skating technique and its potential impact. These terms carry positive connotations and create an enthusiastic tone, potentially biasing the reader towards viewing the technique favorably. Neutral alternatives would include more descriptive words that emphasize the technical aspects rather than the excitement of the advancement.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the aerodynamic advantages of the new skating technique and the use of helmets, but omits discussion of potential disadvantages, such as increased risk of injury or difficulty maintaining balance. It also doesn't explore alternative training methods or other innovations that might be impacting skating speeds. The lack of counterarguments or dissenting opinions weakens the overall analysis.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the trade-off between aerodynamic advantage and balance, implying that the only choice is between traditional arm movements and the new two-arms-behind-the-back technique. It doesn't fully address the complexity of finding an optimal balance between these factors for different skaters.
Gender Bias
The article mentions both male and female skaters, including Ragne Wiklund as a top contender. However, a more in-depth analysis of gender representation in the sport and whether the new technique impacts men and women differently is missing.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights innovations in speed skating techniques (two hands on the back) and equipment (helmets) to improve performance. These innovations represent advancements in sports technology and could inspire further development in sports equipment and training methods, contributing to the development of the industry. The research conducted by the TU Delft and NOC*NSF on aerodynamics also exemplifies innovation in sports science.