02/07/2014

Crafting the ‘Fastest Ice on Earth’

6:32 minutes

Marc Norman is something of an ice doctor. At Salt Lake City’s Utah Olympic Oval, he obsessively monitors the ice and air temperatures, humidity, and purity of the water. His aim? Creating what he calls the “fastest ice on earth”—in other words, the ice on which speed skaters have forged the most world records.

Music by Lee Rosevere and Ben von Wildenhaus

Thanks to KUER for their help on this Olympic series.

Segment Guests

Marc Norman

Marc Norman is vice president of venues and sport at the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Travis Jayner

Travis Jayner is a short track speed skater and 2010 Olympic Medalist based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Meet the Producer

About Christopher Intagliata

Christopher Intagliata was Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.

Explore More