7/24/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Speed Skating.
Speed skaters need to reach top speeds when making laps around the ice rink. From marathon to short track, strategy and positioning on the course can help cut precious time from their laps. Out on the ice, every second counts and skaters must know how to draft off their competitors, dig deep, find their rhythm, breathe, then breakaway, staying low to the ground for maximum efficiency. Grab your speed suit, sharpen your blades, and put on your protective gear—it’s time to hit the ice! When we protect our speed skaters, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Speed Skating Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Speed Skating has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Speed skating athletes may experience Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) due to excessive training and weight-related pressures to “stay lean,” which can result in physical injury and harm, as well as normalize body criticism.
- Speed skating has a high risk of traumatic injuries, such as head trauma, lacerations, broken bones, and dislocations. Injuries can leave athletes vulnerable to abuse, and can be worsened by coaches pressuring athletes to “push through” their injuries, rather than taking a break and seeking treatment.
- Speed skating athletes may place a high level of trust in their coaches. This could lead to psychological dependence, blurred boundaries, and/or grooming in the coach-athlete relationship.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
3/5/2026
Hwang Dae-heon, 'Ice Troublemaker,' to Address Sexual Harassment, Fouls
12/27/2024
At 15, she skated for Team USA. At 42, she’s still fighting it.
1/22/2021
South Korean former Olympic skating coach jailed for 10 years over abuse
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
Speed Skating Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Safeguarding, and Reporting within Speed Skating.
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Hydration for Endurance Athletes
Physical Safety
Learn why staying hydrated while exercising matters.
ISU - Athlete Health
Safeguarding
Access ISU's healthy skater seminars and injury and illness reports.
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of REDs, symptoms and causes of REDs, and prevention.
Speed Skating - Fit to Play
Physical Safety
Learn about exercises to strengthen speed skating ability and prevent injury.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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