How is a speed skating race timed?
B · Beginner · The races · 4 of 4A race ends when the front tip of the first skate's blade reaches the finish line. Kicking a skate off the ice or throwing the body across the line is banned. Times are recorded to a hundredth, and a photo finish to a thousandth may separate ties. Skaters with the same time are all winners.
How it works
- Finish: front tip of the first skate's blade on the line.
- Not allowed: kicking the skate fully off the ice, or diving across the line.
- Fall at the line: the time is taken where the skate crosses the extended line.
- Recording: to a hundredth of a second.
- Photo finish: thousandths decide the order if in use.
- Ties: equal times share the place; all are winners.
- Medals for ties: two winners both get gold and no silver is given.
- Split times: recorded every lap.
The glossary has the finish, the official time, the photo finish, the split time, the lap and the disqualification.
Tricky cases
Two skaters tie to the hundredth. Who wins?
If a photo finish with thousandths is in use, it decides; otherwise both are winners.
Two skaters share gold. Is there a silver?
No. The next skater gets bronze.
A skater falls short of the line. How is the time taken?
When the blade tip reaches the extension of the finish line.
Are the times after a race final?
No. They are provisional until the results are confirmed.
Why the rule exists
Timing to the skate tip gives one clear finish point. Banning kicks and dives stops skaters gaining by losing contact with the ice.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Normal timing | Hundredths | ISU 252, 273 |
| Photo finish | Thousandths break ties | ISU 265 (1) |
| Team pursuit | Time of the third skater | ISU 256 (1.1) |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Speed Skating (as of 12 June 2026), rules 252, 259, 264, 265 (1) and 268. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the ISU Sports Rules, updated each season with ISU Communications.