Makomanai Speed Skating Rink

Makomanai Speed Skating Rink. It was a 400-meter outdoor speed skating oval located within the Makomanai Park complex in Sapporo, Japan. Constructed for the 1972 Winter Olympics, it hosted all speed skating events during those Olympic Games. The facility played a significant role in the history of Olympic speed skating and served as a key training and competition venue in Asia for nearly four decades before its closure.

History

The rink was constructed as a central venue for the 1972 Winter Olympics, which were awarded to Sapporo by the International Olympic Committee. Its development was part of a major infrastructure project in the Makomanai district, which also included the Makomanai Indoor Stadium and extensive parklands. Following the Olympic Games, it became a public facility operated by the City of Sapporo and a hub for winter sports in Hokkaido. It remained in continuous operation for both elite training and public use until its closure in 2009, after which its functions were largely transferred to the state-of-the-art Sapporo Olympic Museum area and other modernized venues.

Facilities and features

The primary feature was a standard 400-meter outdoor oval ice track, conforming to regulations set by the International Skating Union. The venue included a natural ice refrigeration system, which was common for outdoor rinks of its era. Spectator facilities consisted of a single covered stand with a capacity of approximately 1,500 people, offering views of the entire track. The complex was integrated into the broader Makomanai Park, which provided additional amenities and was linked to the city's public transportation network, including services from the Sapporo Municipal Subway.

Major events

Its foremost event was hosting the speed skating competitions for the 1972 Winter Olympics, where legends like Ard Schenk of the Netherlands and Monika Pflug of West Germany won multiple gold medals. It was a regular host for the Japanese National Speed Skating Championships and served as a venue for the ISU Speed Skating World Cup circuit on several occasions in the 1980s and 1990s. The rink also held numerous All Japan Student Speed Skating Championships and was a frequent site for Hokkaido regional competitions, nurturing local talent for decades.

Records

Several Olympic records were set during the 1972 Winter Olympics, including those by Ard Schenk in the 1500m and 5000m events, and Monika Pflug in the 1000m. While world records were more commonly set on high-altitude rinks like those in Inzell or Salt Lake City, the venue witnessed numerous Japanese national records throughout its operational life. The track conditions and Sapporo's coastal climate made it a respected and challenging circuit for achieving fast times at sea level.

Legacy and impact

The rink cemented Sapporo's reputation as a premier winter sports city in Asia and left a lasting physical legacy within Makomanai Park. It served as the foundational training ground for generations of Japanese speed skaters, including many who competed in subsequent Winter Olympics. Its success during the 1972 Winter Olympics demonstrated Japan's capability to host major international winter events, paving the way for future bids like Nagano's successful bid for the 1998 Winter Olympics. Although demolished, its history is preserved in the collections of the Sapporo Olympic Museum and remains a notable chapter in the story of Olympic venues and speed skating in Japan.

Category:Speed skating venues in Japan Category:1972 Winter Olympics venues Category:Sports venues in Sapporo Category:Olympic speed skating venues Category:Buildings and structures in Sapporo