Are there any key people that introduced the sport of speed skating?

Speed skating has roots dating back to the 13th century in the Netherlands, where it evolved from ice skating for transportation and recreation. Key figures in its development include Dutch skater Jaap Eden, who was a prominent athlete in the late 19th century and helped popularize the sport. In the 20th century, the establishment of international competitions and organizations, such as the International Skating Union (ISU) in 1892, further formalized and promoted speed skating globally.