Speed Skating - Utah Olympic Oval Although the Netherlands is the birthplace of speed skating, the first known skating competition is thought to have been a 15-meter race that took place in England on February 4, 1763. Competitions sprung up across the northern part of Europe shortly thereafter, but the first official speed skating events were not held until 1863 in Oslo, Norway. Speed skating has been part of the Olympics since the first Winter Games in 1924. At first, only men raced, but in 1960, four women's speed skating events were held at the Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley. The women's 5000 meters was added to the Olympic program in Calgary in 1988, completing the 10 events that will be competed in Salt Lake City. Back to top