The XO Directory

(Above is a replica of the first ice skate) According to recent study, Finns were the one who invented the first ice skate more than 5,000 years ago. This was their method of transport to make getting across frozen lakes less of a struggle. The primitive skates have blades made from bone. With this tool, researchers calculated that it reduced energy expenditure by 10 per cent.

"In central and northern Europe 5,000 years ago people struggled to survive the severe winter conditions and it seems unlikely that ice skating developed as a hobby," said Dr Formenti.

"As happened later with skis and bicycles, I am convinced that we first made ice stakes to limit the energy required for our daily journeys."

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