– This has caused some unrest in the field. Now many people are testing it out, says Ragne Wiklund to news. She talks about a new trend that spreads uncertainty through the skating circus before the winter season. WORLD CHAMPION: Ragne Wiklund. Photo: Carina Johansen / NTB The norm has been to use one leading arm on the side in the turns – i.e. a loose swing arm – on the longest distances. But more and more skaters have started to drive turns with both hands on their backs. Papa Wiklund predicted the revolution Jo Wiklund is the father of the Norwegian world champion Ragne Wiklund. He is very interested in aerodynamics and sports, and during a dinner last autumn, his father predicted that something special was going on. – The next big thing in skating will be putting both arms on your back in the turns, he said to his daughter during a family dinner. A few days later, amazingly, Chris Huizinga did as Jo Wiklund had predicted in the Dutch championship. According to Wiklund, the Dutch star is now seen as one of the brains behind the “invention”. Now the Norwegian world champion cannot make up his mind. – Those who do it on our team now do it either because they want to be first or out of fear that everyone else is doing it, says Wiklund. Causing unrest in the field Dutchman Chris Huizinga ended up doing this last year and fought at the top of the World Cup over the long distances. – Then a couple of others came up who did it and went quickly, says Wiklund. The difference with and without the technique is not insignificant. The world champion says that there can be up to 70 watts in difference in a 29-second lap time. From a loose arm that provides 490 watts – to 420 watts with your hands on your back. Watts are a measure of how much power you create with each step or step. – I started working here after last season with strength and motor skills, to try to achieve this. I’m sure it pays off, at least for me who is a tenacious 1500 meter runner, she says. TECHNIQUE: Dutch Chris Huizinga has created attention for the new technique. Photo: NTB Nevertheless, she points out that she has a rather tight-fitting arm, and is therefore unsure how much she can save on it. – But I think it can also contribute to me being able to walk better technically, and use my right leg better. In addition to saving energy by walking more efficiently, she explains. Petter Andersen is head of sport at the Norwegian Skating Association. He is aware that you can save time by using the technique. – We know that there is a lot to save aerodynamically, but how much you lose in terms of how much help you get from a swinging arm, that is individual in terms of technique and things like that, Andersen says to news. SPORTS MANAGER: Petter Andersen of the skating association believes that approximately 50 percent of the field will use the new technique. Photo: NTB – Can revolutionize Andersen points out that the technique is mainly used when it comes to longer distances, joint starts and marathons. But that it can be used all the way down to 1000 metres. – There were some of the best runners last year who tested it and went with quite a lot of success, so it is something that is a big focus in our team. We see the other team that there are many who try their hand at it. – I think it can revolutionize a bit. There is quite a lot to save aerodynamically by putting your hands on your back than swinging your arms in the wind, says the sports manager. SWING ARM: Ragne Wiklund pictured with the familiar swing arm. Photo: Reuters Wiklund has not yet completely chosen which technique she will use in the coming season. – It will probably be decided during the next few weeks in Stavanger. I hope that I can start the World Cup and know exactly what is fastest and best for me. Petter Andersen believes that approximately 50 percent of the field will go with the new technique on the longer distances. – It will be exciting to see how many people take it up, says Andersen. Published 18.08.2024, at 09.30 Updated 18.08.2024, at 09.34
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A new technique is revolutionizing ice skating – Ragne Wiklund is at a loss – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
