International Skating Union
The International Skating Union (ISU) is the international governing body for competitive ice skating disciplines, including figure skating, synchronized skating, speed skating, and short track speed skating. It was founded in Scheveningen, Netherlands, in July 1892, making it one of the oldest international sport federations. The ISU was formed to establish standardized international rules and regulations for the skating disciplines it governs, and to organize international competitions in these disciplines. It is now based in Switzerland.
Jaap Eden of the Netherlands, three-times World Allround Speed Skating Champion, having won the titles in 1893 (the year after the ISU was founded), 1895, and 1896
Headquarters in Lausanne
The first ISU President, Pim Mulier
Ice skating is the self-propulsion and gliding of a person across an ice surface, using metal-bladed ice skates. People skate for various reasons, including recreation (fun), exercise, competitive sports, and commuting. Ice skating may be performed on naturally frozen bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, canals, and rivers, and on human-made ice surfaces both indoors and outdoors.
Outdoor ice skaters in 1925
A postman in Germany during the winter of 1900 (stamp from 1994)
Skating fun by 17th century Dutch painter Hendrick Avercamp
The Skating Minister by Henry Raeburn, depicting a member of the Edinburgh Skating Club in the 1790s