One of the most exhilarating events on the Olympic Winter Games programme, short track speed skating will bring thrills, spills – and a few falls along the way.
The world’s fastest skaters will go head-to-head inside the Milano Ice Skating Arena, with nine events taking place – four for men and four for women, along with a mixed relay.
Here is all you need to know about a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-event…
What is the difference between speed skating and short track speed skating?
In short, the clue is in the name.
Short track takes place on a track measuring 111.2m, while a speed skating track is 400m – much like the athletics track at a summer Olympics.
There are several other factors which differentiate the two.
In short track, athletes compete against each other over a series of rounds, making it a fast and furious jostle for position where tactics are crucial. Competitors must choose whether to set the pace or bide their time and wait for a time to make their move. Crossing the line in the qualification spots – or the medal places, come the final – is all that matters.
By contrast, speed skating is a battle against the clock. Two athletes compete simultaneously but the time they set is the all-important factor. The only exception is the mass start event, which was introduced ahead of PyeongChang 2018.
The equipment used also differs, with short track skaters using smaller blades and more flexible boots for the regular turns.
Which events form the Olympic programme?
Men’s and women’s events take place over 500m, 1000m and 1500m, with the only difference in distance coming in the relays. The men’s relay is over 5000m, with the women’s equivalent over 3000m.
Medals will also be fought for in the 2000m mixed relay, with the A final concluding the opening day of the Milano Cortina short track programme on February 10.
The sport then continues with action every two days until February 20.
How long has short track speed skating been at the Olympics?
Short track speed skating made its Olympic debut at Albertville 1992, when just two individual races and two relays were held, and has grown its presence since then.
The mixed relay was introduced for the first time at Beijing 2022.
Which nations are the most successful in short track speed skating?
South Korea are short track speed skating’s most successful nation, with 53 medals, 26 of which have been gold.
China and Canada have each won 37 medals, with the USA (20) and Italy (15) the only other countries in double figures on the overall Olympic medal table in this sport. Arianna Fontana is single-handedly responsible for 11 of those Italian medals.
What is Team GB’s record in short track speed skating?
Nicky Gooch won Team GB’s first – and so far only – medal in short track speed skating when he claimed bronze at Lillehammer 1994.
The Roehampton-born skater competed at four Olympics in all before moving into coaching.
Sportsbeat 2025