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Speed Skating - Short Track
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Short Track - Don't blink or you may miss the action of Short Track Speed Skating. It has been called the demolition derby of the Olympics.
The speed skater's equipment (shown on the right):
- One-piece suit - to reduce wind resistance
- Helmet - to protect the head
- Gloves - to push off ice at start; keep balance in turns
- Skates - blades slightly curved to help turning left; maneuver turns
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Strategy:
Short Track Speed Skating takes place on a smaller oval within a hockey rink surrounded by a boardless padding system for safety. Skaters (as many as 8) compete against each other, not the clock, in a series of distance and relay heats in order to advance to the final round of each event. The first two athletes in each heat advance to the next round until only four skaters remain for the final, which determines the winners. There are eight events:
- 500m, 1,000m, 1,500m, and 5000m relay for men
- 500m, 1,000m, 1,500m, and 3000m relay for women
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In the 500- and 1,000-meter events, four skaters are on the track for each heat, while in the 1,500-meter event there are six skaters on the ice. The thrilling speed skating relay events, unlike running relays, do not involve handing off batons. Instead the athletes are tagged or simply given a push (see left photo - the only form of pushing allowed) so that the new skater can take advantage of his or her teammate’s momentum. The tight corners and fast pace make these competitions exciting to watch!
What the judges look for:
There are several actions that will result in skater disqualification (DQ) from a race, and having their time rendered invalid:
- Equipment (DQE): Not wearing the proper safety equipment, losing equipment during the race, or exposure of skin not on face or neck.
- False Start (DQS): Leaving before firing of the starter's pistol. Similar to track and field, the offender of a second violation is disqualified.
- Did not finish (DNF): Usually due to injury, the skater did not finish the race
- Did not skate (DNS): The skater did not go to the starting line.
- Impeding (DQI): Pushing, blocking, or otherwise causing an impediment for another skater
- Off track (DQO): Skating outside the designated track
- Cross-tracking (DQX): Deliberately cutting in front of a competitor who is attempting to pass
- Team skating(?): Conspiring with members from the same country, club, or other individual skaters to determine the race result
- Assistance (?): Giving physical assistance to another skater
- Shooting the line or Kicking out (DQK): Driving the lead foot ahead to reach the finish faster; thereby lifting rear foot off ice (a dangerous situation)
- Unsportsmanlike conduct (DQU): Acting in a manner not befitting an athlete or a role model. Including cursing at a competitor, kicking your feet, striking other skaters or officials, etc.
More... if you'd like to see more ice rink action, check out Long Track speed skating, Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, and Curling.
CHART BELOW: We added these winter "one-pagers" to our Sports Know-How category in time for the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) that were held in January 2012. We got inspired by the 2012 London Summer Games to add to our Summer Sports category. We'll be adding sports periodically so keep checking back. If the titles are shining brightly in white text, they're ready for you to click on! ^.^
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