Short Track Speed Skating
Short track speed skating is a sports competition that involves 4 to 8 skaters racing towards the finish line of a 111.12 meter-oval track. The ice rink measures 30 m by 60 m. There are individual and relay competitions for men and women.
For individuals, tracks measure 500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m. For relays, it would 5000 m for men and 3000 m for women. The competition may take two to three days. The order of the distance are in accordance to the program set by the International Skating Union which is 1500m, 500m, 1000m, and 3000m.
In this competition, it is not only important that you are the fastest, there should tactics and strategies to include if you want to win. Using the right equipment is also a must. Boots are made of fiberglass resembling the shape of a foot and the blades are rounded on each end and little offset to the left helping the skater lean lower and making them push more effectively in corners. Skaters should also wear protective gears like helmet, gloves, knee pads, shin guards and neck protector.
short track speed skating raceIn this competition, there are different officials: a referee, assistant referees, starter, timers, judges, lap recorders, track stewards, and recorders.
The world recognition of short track speed skating started not too long ago. The idea of it came from the old pack style of racing. It was first practiced in the 1932 Winter Olympic Games, but the Olympic debut was during the 1992 Winter Games in France.
Similar Sports
- Long Track Speed Skating — ice skaters race head to head on a 400m oval track for a set distance, between 500 and 10,000 m.
- Inline Speed Skating — athletes use inline skates to race around tracks
- Ice Skating Sports
Related Pages
- Short track speed skating at the Olympics
- More about ice skating sports
- Complete list of sports
- The Encyclopedia of Sports
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