SPORT PROFILE: Men's short-track speedskating

Short track skating is mass start racing on a smaller rink, normally the size of an ice hockey rink. In competitions, multiple skaters (typically between four and six) skate on an oval ice track with a circumference of 111.12 m. The rink itself is 60 m by 30 m, which is the same size as an international-sized hockey rink. Distances are shorter than in long track racing, with the longest Olympic race being the 1500 metres. Races are usually held as knockouts, with the best two in heats of four or five qualifying for the final race, where medals are awarded. Disqualifications and falls are not uncommon.

The sport originates from packstyle events held in North America, and was officially sanctioned in the 1970s, becoming an Olympic sport in 1992. Although this form of speed skating is newer, it is growing faster than long track speed skating.

Short track speed skating is an elimination event in which athletes race in packs and try to outskate and outwit fellow competitors within their heats. Eventually, the field is winnowed down to a handful of finalists and the first one to cross the finish line is the winner.

There are eight events on the 2010 Olympic program; four for men and four for women. The events are:
Men: 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 5000m relay
Women: 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m relay

500m: This four-and-a-half lap race is an all-out sprint. An explosive start is crucial because passing at high speeds is difficult. Individual heats feature four skaters at a time in a mass start.

1000m: A very tactical race. Skaters start out slowly and maneuver for the best position going into the homestretch. The skaters gradually speed up until they are at top speed for the last two or three laps of this nine-lap race. Individual heats feature four skaters at a time in a mass start.

1500m: The 1500 requires great stamina and strategy, since the heats, quarterfinals, semis and final are contested in a single day. Each race consists of 13 1/2 laps and measures almost a mile. Individual heats feature six skaters at a time in a mass start.

3000m relay: The women's relay consists of teams of four skaters who must complete 27 laps around the oval. It is common for each skater to sprint for one and a half or two laps at a time and take multiple turns on the ice. The relay is full of constant passing and spills and is the most exciting event in short track.

5000m relay: The men's relay consists of teams of four skaters who must complete 45 laps around the oval. It is common for each skater to sprint for one and a half or two laps at a time and take multiple turns on the ice. The relay is full of constant passing and spills and is the most exciting event in short track.


Short track equipment

Boots: Made of fiberglass, graphite and Kevlar, short track boots lace higher up the ankle than traditional ice skates. Boots are typically built using customized foot molds to stabilize the foot and ankle around corners.

Blades: To enable the skater to achieve high speeds and control in turns, short track blades are bent in an arc that reflects the direction of the turn. The extremely sharp blades are placed to the left side of the skate so the boot does not touch the ice when the skater leans into the turn. Blades can be a maximum 46cm (about 18in) long and between 1.2 and 1.4mm (about 0.5 to 0.6in) wide.

Helmet: Because of the frequency of crashes and falls, short track speed skaters are required to wear hard plastic helmets to prevent potential head injuries.

Gloves: Skaters wear cut-resistant gloves to protect their hands from blades. Because the skaters' hands often touch the ice on turns, the gloves are equipped with hard plastic balls on the fingertips that allow the glove to slide along the ice.

Protective wear: For protection against skaters' sharp blades, short track athletes are required to wear shin, knee and sometimes neck guards for protection.

Skin suits: Athletes are required to wear long sleeved, long legged skin suits (similar to long track speed skating's skin suits but without the hood and thumb loops) in competitions. The suits are anti-cut, meaning the material should protect the skaters' most sensitive areas, like the femoral artery, against any encounters with the sharp skate blades.