History

Short track speed skating was a demonstration sport at the 1988 Winter Olympics and became a medal sport in 1992.

This form of the sport is also known as "pack style," because a pack of four skaters compete on a 111.12-meter track, with the winner being the first to cross the finish line. The four corners of the course are marked by rubber blocks. Skaters are allowed to enter the infield, but they have to pass outside the markers on the turns.

A series of elimination heats are held, leading to the semi-finals and finals. Semi-final losers compete in their own final to determine fifth through eighth places.

Top of page