Speedskating on Ice: What You Need to Know About the Short Track Event at the Winter Olympics
When it comes to speedskating, long track racing is often thought of as the main event. However, short track speedskating has a unique and exciting format that is sure to thrill fans. Here's everything you need to know about this high-speed, high-stakes competition.
Unlike traditional long track events, where skaters compete one-on-one against the clock, short track racing pits all participants against each other in a frantic, lap-for-lap battle around an oval course. The twist? Skaters must navigate not only their own speed but also the chaos of multiple opponents vying for position on the ice.
To protect themselves from the inevitable crashes and collisions, skaters wear protective gear like helmets and gloves. These safety measures are essential, as falls can result in blade cuts – serious injuries that could sideline even the most seasoned athletes.
Some notable competitors to watch this time around include Italy's Arianna Fontana, who boasts an impressive 11 Olympic medals under her belt. As one of the sport's all-time greats, Fontana will undoubtedly receive a boost from her home crowd in Milan. With six Winter Games appearances and two Olympic medals already on the board, she'll be looking to add to her tally.
In the men's division, Canadian William Dandjinou is a force to be reckoned with. A four-time world champion gold medalist since 2019, he won the coveted World Tour Crystal Globe award alongside teammate Courtney Sarault last season. The U.S. team will look to Corinne Stoddard, Kristen Santos-Griswold, and Andrew Heo to deliver their share of results.
For fans attending these Winter Games in Milan, be sure to check out the competition schedule, which runs from February 10-20 at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The action kicks off with a mixed team relay event on the 10th, while wrapping up with the men's 5,000-meter relay and women's 1,500 meters on the 20th.
A few fun facts to keep in mind: unlike traditional running events, short track winners are determined by when their skate first crosses the finish line – a high-tech chip near the ankle ensures accurate timing.
When it comes to speedskating, long track racing is often thought of as the main event. However, short track speedskating has a unique and exciting format that is sure to thrill fans. Here's everything you need to know about this high-speed, high-stakes competition.
Unlike traditional long track events, where skaters compete one-on-one against the clock, short track racing pits all participants against each other in a frantic, lap-for-lap battle around an oval course. The twist? Skaters must navigate not only their own speed but also the chaos of multiple opponents vying for position on the ice.
To protect themselves from the inevitable crashes and collisions, skaters wear protective gear like helmets and gloves. These safety measures are essential, as falls can result in blade cuts – serious injuries that could sideline even the most seasoned athletes.
Some notable competitors to watch this time around include Italy's Arianna Fontana, who boasts an impressive 11 Olympic medals under her belt. As one of the sport's all-time greats, Fontana will undoubtedly receive a boost from her home crowd in Milan. With six Winter Games appearances and two Olympic medals already on the board, she'll be looking to add to her tally.
In the men's division, Canadian William Dandjinou is a force to be reckoned with. A four-time world champion gold medalist since 2019, he won the coveted World Tour Crystal Globe award alongside teammate Courtney Sarault last season. The U.S. team will look to Corinne Stoddard, Kristen Santos-Griswold, and Andrew Heo to deliver their share of results.
For fans attending these Winter Games in Milan, be sure to check out the competition schedule, which runs from February 10-20 at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The action kicks off with a mixed team relay event on the 10th, while wrapping up with the men's 5,000-meter relay and women's 1,500 meters on the 20th.
A few fun facts to keep in mind: unlike traditional running events, short track winners are determined by when their skate first crosses the finish line – a high-tech chip near the ankle ensures accurate timing.
this year's going to be lit with all these talented skaters competing against each other, it's not just about being the fastest anymore it's like a real-life video game out there on the ice! and can you believe arianna fontana has 11 olympic medals already? i mean, she's basically a legend in the sport 
but what's up with all this protective gear everyone's wearing helmets and gloves, do they really have to wear that or is it just part of the safety measures?
! It's like, totally unpredictable and thrilling to watch - all those skaters racing each other on ice is just crazy 
! I think Arianna Fontana is gonna crush it, she's got so much experience under her belt. And can we talk about the safety gear? Helmets and gloves, yeah that makes sense 
. What I don't get is how they compete in a relay event - what if one of you just falls behind? 
. Also, did you know that the chip near their ankle is super accurate for timing? That's wild 
. And can we cheer on some new athletes too? Excited to see the Milano Ice Skating Arena come alive! 
i think it would be so cool to watch an actual speedskating event in person, but is it like super crowded at the games? 
btw u can catch all the action from february 10-20 in milan 
! I mean, can you even imagine racing around that tiny oval course with all those people trying to knock you off? 
. Arianna Fontana is gonna crush it, she's got so many medals already! 
But can't wait to see the Canadian guy William Dandjinou in action too, he sounds like a total speed demon 
️!
! I mean, can you imagine racing against 8 other people on an oval course with no clear track to follow? It's like a real-life video game, right? 
i mean dont get me wrong long track racing is cool and all but its soooo boring in comparison short track skating is like a real life game of dodge em dodgem 
. Still, with that helmet and glove combo, I think most skaters are covered. Plus, the World Tour Crystal Globe award is a big deal, so I'm hyped to see Canada's William Dandjinou go for it 
And hey, even though Milan can be pretty chilly in February, it'll still be a blast watching all the action at the Milano Ice Skating Arena 
. Bring on the 10th and get ready for some seriously fast skating!
️ omg speedskating is literally my fave 
i love how they gotta navigate all these other skaters on the ice it's like a total chess match 
is like watching a madcap dance party on wheels! I'm both excited and nervous for this event at the Winter Olympics. With all those skaters zooming around each other, it's bound to be a thrilling show 
. I'm rooting for Arianna Fontana from Italy, she's like a speedskating legend 
... or maybe not so much 
. Either way, it's gonna be an electrifying competition! 
. I'm more of a fan of the long track events myself 
. At least there, you can actually see what's going on 
. The whole short track thing just seems like a gimmick to me 
. Still, if you're into that sort of thing, go for it! 
I think it's cool that speedskating has two main formats and both are super exciting in their own ways! Long track racing is all about individual skill and strategy, while short track is like a crazy team sport 
. The safety gear for skaters makes sense, especially with those blade cuts being no joke 
. I'm intrigued by the mixed relay event - it sounds like a fun way to kick off the Games 
!