Women's 500 m - Speed Skating
Sapporo 1972 Winter Olympics

Women's 500 m - Speed Skating - Sapporo 1972 Winter Olympics

Event Format: Skaters raced against the clock although they raced in pairs on separate lanes on an oval rink (inner and outer lanes). Skaters had to change lanes in the back straightaway of each lap in order to skate an equal distance. The skater on the outer lane had the right of way and the skater leaving the inner lane should avoid collision. The Olympic gold medal winner was the athlete with the fastest time for the race.

Event facts: Women's 500 m competition was held at the Makomanai Speed Skating Rink and 29 athletes participated in the event.