Short-track speedskating is the exciting, fast, rowdy (some say vulgar) younger cousin of long track.
It is held on a 111-meter track the size of a standard skating rink, and the skaters skate together in packs, with the first over the finish line the winner, rather than the relatively genteel pair skating against the clock of long track.
With racers screaming around the turns at 30 miles per hour, falls are common, and the faller often takes out other skaters with him.
OLYMPIC OVERVIEW
Short-track speedskating made its debut as an exhibition sport in the 1988 Winter Games. In 1992, in Albertville, the men's 1,000 meters and 5,000-meter relay, and the women's 500 meters and 3,000-meter relay were made competition events. In the 1994 Lillehammer Games, the men's 500 meters and women's 1,000 meters were added.
Perhaps not surprisingly, given the raucous nature of short track, the races have often been controversial, with U.S. skater Cathy Turner often in the middle of it. Opponents often accused the champ (gold medals in the 500 meters in 1992 and 1994) of dirty (and illegal) tactics, such as grabbing other skaters so that judges couldn't see. She wound up being disqualified in the 1994 1,000 meters.
Asian skaters excel at short track. China currently has two top women skaters, both of whom are named Yang Yang. Anton Apolo Ohno is a rising star for the United States.
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
Mened up but other skaters who are trying to pass them in the pack. Getting out in the lead early is critical.
Mennger than the 1,000 meter race.
Women
