The clap skate made its Olympic debut at the 1998 Nagano Games and propelled skaters to world records in five events. Unlike conventional skates, ...

Clap Skate. The clap skate made its Olympic debut at the 1998 Nagano Games and propelled skaters to world records in five events. Unlike conventional skates, ...

From clap skates to speed suits, what the speed skaters will be using at the Winter Olympics. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays. Watch Now. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays. Menu.

From clap skates to speed suits, what the speed skaters will be using at the Winter Olympics. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays. Watch Now. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays. Menu.

Clap skate pioneer, Van Ingen Schenau, was able to enjoy the success of his hard work, but only for a short time. A little over a month after the games in Nagano (1998) he died.

Conversely, on a clap skate, the blade keeps flat contact with the ice throughout the entire stride. But as much sense as that makes, reduced friction isn’t really why clap skates are so effective.

One of the great things about the Winter Olympics is people who have paid no attention to a sport for three years and 50 weeks suddenly are experts.

Bonnie Blair is glad her speedskating career ended before the clap-skate era dawned in 1998 and skaters had to adapt to the new gear, in which the heel of the blade isn't attached to the boot and ...

Clap-clap-clap. That’s the new ... With a hinge and a spring, the clap skate has triggered a technological […] Skip to content. All Sections. Subscribe Now. 80°F. Monday, June 9th 2025 ...

Speed skates for everyday recreation are surprisingly reasonable, ... The recreational versions are significantly toned-down from the $1,500 Olympic-grade clap skate designs.