So why ARE they so much faster?

The truth is, skaters, and athletes in general, are getting access to far more advanced technologies, better quality arenas and better training. For example, artificial rinks and more aerodynamic suits were only used until 1960, and Klap skates weren't used until 1984. These kinds of things made a very big difference. Have you ever been on an outdoor rink? did it feel rough and hard to skate on? Well compare that to a smooth indoor rink fresh after the zamboni went on it. Obviously, it would be much easier to skate on the smooth surface, but speed skating was invented far earlier than the first zamboni.

        But there's more!

Back then, probably at least a century ago, people would always hire people of medium size, medium height. For example, in the 1920's, the average shot putter and high jumper were the same size. Now scientists have found out that different body shapes and sizes can be more convenient for different sports than medium everything. The average NBA player has gotten taller, and the average gymnist has gotten shorter. In this case, the average speed skater has grown longer legs.

        However, that's not the last of it.

People have begun to use their imagination to understand what the human body is truly capable of, and realize that they can push the limits of their own mind. Belive it or not, athletes are actually ignoring that part in their brains that tells them not to put too much effort so they don't get hurt, so that they can get an extra push and come first in that race.

        Now that's a superpower!