QUEENS, N.Y. — The next generation of speed skaters is getting their start on the rink at the World Ice Arena in Queens.

What You Need To Know

  • The Flushing Meadows Speed Skating Club trains at the World Ice Arena in Queens 

  • It’s the only speed skating club in the five boroughs 

  • The club expects a boost in membership after the Winter Olympics where speed skating is a featured event 

  • Speed skating skates have long, flat blades, different than hockey and figure skates 

Longtime skater Jeff Brodlieb is leading the way, as the young skaters use buckets for a drill on body positioning.

“It’s getting the kids and the adults to position their body when they are making the turns, sometimes we use it on the straightaways as well,” said Brodlieb, a member of the Flushing Meadows Speed Skating Club.

It’s the only one of its kind in the five boroughs, attracting skaters of all ages and abilities to a sport that has a great tradition in New York.

There were more clubs in the past in different boroughs, but other skating activities like figure skating and hockey caught the attention of young people over the years. Still, it’s a dedicated group of skaters who love the sport.

The first thing you notice about it is the skates are different than hockey and figure skates. A long, flat blade allows for extra pressure on the ice and more power and speed.

“The straighter it is and flatter it is, the more speed you have,” said Luke Yi, a 10-year-old club member who has been speed skating for around three years.

Members of the club like Benjamin Oh, a one-time U.S. National Team member have participated at a high level at the national championships and other big events. With the Winter Olympics putting the sport on a worldwide stage, club members expect it will attract some new skaters to the rink located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

“The Olympics are really where we get a big boom especially of younger skaters that really can idolize the people who skate and can see themselves growing up to maybe becoming an Olympian,” said Sarah Crovella, who grew up skating in upstate Syracuse but now skates at Flushing Meadows while attending Columbia University.

Matt Thomas, a pro figure skater and coach agrees.

“Hopefully more people will take a look at speed skating, and the fact that we have it right here in Queens is kind of amazing," said Thomas.

To get those Olympic dreams going, or just have some fun, head to flushingmeadowsspeedskatingclub.com.