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The science behind Olympic ice production
The process of creating Olympic ice for the Milan-Cortina event is being detailed by our Ask Me Anything team.
The standard for international competitions, including the Winter Olympics, is a uniform ice surface referred to as Olympic ice.
Trained experts, dubbed 'ice masters', oversee the creation and upkeep of this surface, bringing their specialized skills to the task.
Their primary objective is to provide a surface that meets the needs of athletes competing in various ice sports, such as curling, figure skating, and ice hockey.
In preparation for the men's and women's ice hockey matches, a brand-new arena was constructed in Milan-Cortina, despite facing delays, concerns, and rushed construction timelines.
The process of creating the ice for these competitions raises an interesting question: what steps are involved in making the rink's ice surface?
The process begins with the installation of a 5-centimetre insulation layer on the concrete floor, followed by the placement of a vapour barrier. Subsequently, engineers add mats infused with glycol, which helps maintain the ice at a low temperature.
The construction of the rink continues with the installation of boards and glass walls, after which approximately two inches of water is poured over the mat. This marks the initial formation of the ice sheets.
The ice surface is then coated with a layer of white paint and sealed. Additionally, the necessary markings and logos for ice hockey are applied to the surface.
The final step involves flooding the rink with an additional 3-4 centimetres of water to create the ice playing surface. To maintain optimal conditions, the temperature is kept within a range of -5 to -4 degrees Celsius.
To ensure a smooth playing surface, resurfacing machines, commonly referred to as Zambonis, are regularly deployed to remove a layer of ice and create a new, even surface.
According to Mark Messer, the ice master responsible for the long track speed skating event, the most significant challenge is adapting to a new system with limited preparation time, given the high-profile nature of the competition.
Messer noted that while temporary ice setups have been successfully implemented in the past, the scale of this particular endeavor is unprecedented, especially in the context of an Olympic Games.
The upcoming Milan-Cortina event will mark a historic first, as it will be the inaugural time a temporary venue is utilized for long track speed skating at a Winter Olympics.
We invite you to submit your questions for further information.
The process of repairing the ice surface is facilitated by the use of ice resurfacing machines, which focus on restoring the top layer to optimal condition.
The Winter Olympics feature a range of sports, each with its own unique ice requirements to ensure optimal athlete performance.
Ice conditions vary significantly from one sport to another, with some necessitating softer or harder surfaces, as well as specific temperature ranges.
According to Messer, in an interview with BBC Sport, the diversity of ice types used in various winter sports is often underestimated, with each discipline having distinct requirements and conditions.
In the case of curling, the ice surface must have a pebbled finish, which is achieved by spraying the surface with water that then freezes into small droplets.
For ice hockey, a harder ice surface is essential, as it enables players to make sudden stops when necessary, relying on the ice's rigidity for stability and control.
The conditions required for long track speed skating are quite specific, with a need for a thin and hard ice surface, making it the coldest of all Olympic ice disciplines.
A unique challenge awaits technicians in Milan-Cortina, where figure skating and short track speed skating will share a venue, necessitating surface adjustments that can take up to three hours to complete during the Games.
Figure skating demands a warmer, softer ice surface to facilitate safe landings, as excessively cold ice can be prone to shattering upon impact, whereas short track speed skating necessitates a thinner, colder surface.
According to Moffatt, the standards for these events must be exceptionally high, stating, "These are the best athletes in the world, so everything has to be the best."
Among the competitors in figure skating's ice dance category will be Team GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson.
The quality of water used is crucial in producing and sustaining Olympic-grade ice.
To achieve optimal conditions, ice technicians assess the water's pH levels and treat it to eliminate impurities and minerals.
Additionally, they monitor the total dissolved solids, which encompasses all organic and inorganic matter, including minerals, present in the water.
An imbalance in the total dissolved solids can have adverse effects: excessive levels can cause the ice to become cloudy, while insufficient levels can prevent the ice from forming a solid bond, leading to breakage.
Various external factors can potentially alter the ice's condition, which may, in turn, impact an athlete's performance.
Several factors are considered when evaluating a venue, including abrupt temperature fluctuations, lighting conditions, and crowd density.
According to Messer, numerous elements influence the final outcome, such as air temperature, air movement, humidity, spectator noise, lighting heat, water composition, and other factors. Additionally, the operator of the ice resurfacer has a significant impact on ice conditions.
This report is part of BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything series, which provides in-depth information on various topics.
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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
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Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
News
Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests
The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.
In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.
As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.
In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.
Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.
Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.
This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.
During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.
The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.
Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.
In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".
Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.
Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.
The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.
Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.
The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.
As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.
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