List of world records in speed skating

This list of speed skating records is an overview of the records currently held in various speed skating events, as ratified by the International Skating Union.

Salt Lake City and Calgary, where most of the current world records were set (see above), are at comparatively high altitudes (greater than 1 km above sea level).

Performance is better at these high altitudes because the lower oxygen levels are compensated by the reduced air resistance.

[30] Skating statisticians therefore record separate lists of "sea-level world bests" for speed skating records that are set at (or close to) sea level, from which results in Salt Lake City and Calgary are excluded.