Question of the Week!!!!!

The warmest Winter Olympics ever just finished in Sochi, Russia. The warm temperatures didn't stop speed skating from taking place, however. One country won 23 speed skating medals (out of 36 total!). What country was that (and it's "other" name)? This country also has a 120 mile speed skating race called the Elfstedentocht. How come it isn't held every year? When was the last year it was held? How long is a speed skating blade? Oh, and this country has two cute symbols. What are they?