On the origin of differences in performance level between elite male and female speed skaters

Abstract The skating technique expressed in skating position, stroke frequency, amount of work per stroke and external power of five elite males was compared with the technique of ten elite females. The main difference between both groups appeared to be a difference in skating position. The female and the male group showed almost the same external power per kilogram body weight during skating. It is concluded that the difference in performance level between both groups is mainly caused by a difference in skating position and in friction and not by a difference in work capacity as one might expect on the basis of the lean body masses of both groups. The influence of the higher percentage of fat in the female group on the skating position and on a difference in frictional losses is discussed.