Lykkers, have you watched the Winter Games and have you ever wondered about the differences between speed skating and short track competitions? This article will break it down for you.

From race formats to equipment, these two disciplines may seem similar at first, but they offer distinct experiences for athletes and spectators alike.

Speed Skating: The Race Against Time

Speed skating competitions are designed around time trials. Athletes race against the clock, not each other. The format is simple: each participant competes in a single round with the aim of setting the fastest time.

The event typically features two skaters racing in pairs, but the ranking depends solely on their finishing times, not who crosses the line first. After all the skaters have completed their rounds, the one with the best time wins.

Short Track: Head-to-Head Races

Unlike speed skating, short track is a competitive event where skaters race directly against one another. The race is structured in heats, and the top finishers advance to the next rounds, eventually culminating in the final.

These heats generally consist of four to six skaters. In each race, the order of arrival matters, and the skaters who place highest move on to the semifinals and finals. The goal here is to finish in a top position, as opposed to simply setting the best time.

The Role of Strategy in Short Track

Strategy plays a significant role in short track racing, particularly in longer events. Skaters must decide whether to take the lead and risk being caught in the pack, or conserve energy and stay at the back.

Staying out of trouble in a crowded field is a common tactic, but some races require bursts of energy to get ahead. Protective equipment like helmets is mandatory due to the higher risk of falls in short track races, where sharp turns and close contact are frequent.

The Mass Start: A Speed Skating Event with a Twist

Although speed skating is typically a time trial event, there is one race that features multiple competitors in an exciting, high-energy format: the mass start. Introduced at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, the mass start involves 12 skaters in the semifinal round, with 16 skaters qualifying for the final.

The race consists of 16 laps, and competitors earn points during sprints that take place on every fourth, eighth, and twelfth lap. Points are awarded to the top three finishers in these sprints and for the final positions. The first three skaters across the line are crowned the winners, while the sprint points determine the rankings of other competitors.

Comparing the Olympic Events: Speed Skating vs. Short Track

For the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, both speed skating and short track will feature a variety of events for male and female competitors.

In speed skating, there will be 14 events in total:

- Men: 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, mass start, and team pursuit

- Women: 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, mass start, and team pursuit

In total, 164 spots will be available for athletes to qualify for speed skating.

On the other hand, short track will feature 9 events:

- Men: 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 5000m, and men’s relay

- Women: 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m, and women’s relay

- Mixed relay: 2000m

In short track, 112 spots will be available for athletes to qualify.

In both disciplines, skaters must perform well in their respective heats to advance to the final, where medals are at stake.

Key Differences: Track Size and Equipment

The most noticeable difference between speed skating and short track is the size of the tracks. Short track events are held on a smaller rink measuring 111.12 meters, while speed skating takes place on a 400-meter oval track, which is the same size as an Olympic athletics track.

The equipment used in each discipline also varies. Short track skates have smaller blades, measuring between 30 and 45 cm in length, while speed skating blades range from 40 to 55 cm. Due to the sharp turns in short track, skaters wear stiffer boots to maintain control of their direction. In speed skating, longer, more flexible boots are used to navigate the wider curves of the track. Additionally, speed skates feature a "clap skate" design, allowing the blade to stay in contact with the ice even when the skater lifts their leg, providing greater control.

Skater Build: How It Affects Performance

The physical demands of each discipline influence the types of athletes that excel in them. In short track, athletes tend to have a lower center of gravity, which helps them navigate the tight corners.

Speed skaters, on the other hand, often have taller builds to help them maintain stability over longer distances. For example, Viktor Ahn, a notable short track athlete, is 1.72 meters tall, while speed skater Sven Kramer, a four-time Olympic champion, stands at 1.87 meters.

Conclusion

Both speed skating and short track offer exciting and unique challenges for athletes and fans alike. While speed skating is centered around time trials, short track is a fast-paced, head-to-head race.

Each event requires specific skills, equipment, and strategies. Understanding the differences between these disciplines enhances the appreciation for these thrilling Olympic sports. Whether it's the precision of speed skating or the intense competition of short track, both have their own appeal in the world of winter sports.