**Speed Skating at the 2007 Asian Winter Games – Men’s 1000 Metres**
**Definition**
The men’s 1000 metres speed skating event at the 2007 Asian Winter Games was a competitive race held to determine the fastest male skater over a distance of 1000 metres on ice. This event was part of the speed skating discipline featured during the multi-sport Asian Winter Games hosted in 2007.
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## Overview
The men’s 1000 metres speed skating competition at the 2007 Asian Winter Games took place on February 1, 2007, at the Jilin Provincial Speed Skating Rink in Changchun, China. This event brought together elite male speed skaters from various Asian countries to compete for medals in a middle-distance race that tests both speed and endurance.
The Asian Winter Games, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), is a multi-sport event held every four years, featuring winter sports disciplines. Speed skating is a traditional and highly competitive sport within the Games, with the 1000 metres distance being one of the key events.
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## Venue
### Jilin Provincial Speed Skating Rink
The Jilin Provincial Speed Skating Rink, located in Changchun, China, served as the venue for the speed skating events during the 2007 Asian Winter Games. The rink is an indoor facility designed to meet international standards for speed skating competitions, featuring a 400-metre oval ice track. The controlled indoor environment ensures consistent ice quality and temperature, which are critical for optimal performance in speed skating.
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## Event Format
The men’s 1000 metres speed skating event is a time-trial race where skaters compete in pairs, each racing against the clock rather than directly against their opponent. Each skater completes two and a half laps around the 400-metre oval track, covering a total distance of 1000 metres.
Skaters switch lanes on the back straight of each lap to equalize the distance covered on the inner and outer lanes. The final rankings are determined by the fastest recorded times, with the lowest time winning the gold medal.
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## Participants
The event featured competitors from multiple Asian countries, including traditional speed skating powerhouses such as South Korea, Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. The exact number of participants varied, but the field typically includes the top national athletes selected through their respective countries’ qualification processes.
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## Results
### Medalists
– **Gold:** Lee Kyou-hyuk (South Korea)
– **Silver:** Hiroyasu Shimizu (Japan)
– **Bronze:** Yu Fengtong (China)
Lee Kyou-hyuk of South Korea secured the gold medal with the fastest time, demonstrating his superior speed and technique. Hiroyasu Shimizu, a seasoned Japanese skater and former world record holder, earned the silver medal. The bronze went to Yu Fengtong of China, who delivered a strong performance on home ice.
### Final Standings
The final classification was based on the skaters’ times, with the top three receiving medals. Other competitors completed the race with varying times, reflecting the competitive nature of the event and the high level of skill among Asian speed skaters.
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## Historical Context
The 2007 Asian Winter Games marked the sixth edition of the event, continuing the tradition of showcasing winter sports talent across Asia. Speed skating has been a staple sport in the Games since their inception, with the men’s 1000 metres event consistently attracting top athletes.
South Korea and Japan have historically dominated speed skating in Asia, often producing world-class competitors who also perform well on the global stage, including the Winter Olympics and World Championships. The 2007 event reinforced this trend, with South Korea and Japan taking the top two podium positions.
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## Significance
The men’s 1000 metres speed skating event at the 2007 Asian Winter Games was significant for several reasons:
– **Regional Rivalry:** The competition highlighted the intense rivalry between South Korea and Japan in speed skating, pushing athletes to achieve peak performances.
– **Development of Asian Speed Skating:** The event contributed to the growth and popularity of speed skating in Asia, encouraging investment in training and facilities.
– **Preparation for Global Competitions:** For many athletes, the Asian Winter Games served as a preparatory platform for upcoming international events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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## Technical Aspects
### Race Strategy
The 1000 metres distance requires a balance between sprinting speed and endurance. Skaters must maintain a high pace throughout the race while managing their energy to avoid fatigue in the final lap. Efficient technique, including smooth cornering and powerful strides, is essential.
### Equipment
Competitors used specialized speed skating suits designed to reduce air resistance, along with clap skates that allow for longer blade contact with the ice, enhancing propulsion. Helmets and protective eyewear are also standard for safety.
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## Legacy
The performances at the 2007 Asian Winter Games helped solidify the reputations of the medalists and inspired a new generation of speed skaters in Asia. The event also underscored the importance of regional competitions in developing athletes capable of competing on the world stage.
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## Summary
The men’s 1000 metres speed skating event at the 2007 Asian Winter Games was a key competition held at the Jilin Provincial Speed Skating Rink in Changchun, China. Featuring top athletes from across Asia, the event showcased high-level speed skating talent, with South Korea’s Lee Kyou-hyuk winning gold, Japan’s Hiroyasu Shimizu taking silver, and China’s Yu Fengtong earning bronze. The race contributed to the ongoing development and popularity of speed skating in Asia.
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**Meta Description:**
The men’s 1000 metres speed skating event at the 2007 Asian Winter Games featured top Asian athletes competing at the Jilin Provincial Speed Skating Rink, with Lee Kyou-hyuk winning gold. This article details the event’s results, venue, and significance.