Short track and speed skating are often confused, because both belong to speed skating disciplines and look similar at first glance. However, they have significant differences. Below we figure out which ones.

What is a short track

Short track is  a discipline of speed skating, where several athletes simultaneously compete on a short oval track 111 m long inside a hockey arena. Usually, 4-6 participants start in the race and everyone immediately fights for a position.

Overtaking and tactical combat are allowed during the race, but you cannot intentionally interfere with your opponent according to the rules. In the short track, the reaction of the skaters, the overtaking strategy and the ability to quickly dodge opponents play a decisive role. Due to the high speed and very close contact on turns, falls and collisions occur quite often, so the result of this winter sport can change in the last seconds.

What is speed skating

In contrast to the short track, speed skating takes place on a large oval of 400 m.

The main thing for a skater is to maintain a stable pace, control sliding technique and effectively distribute forces while skating. Races look calmer because athletes have more space, and there is practically no risk of contact.

What is the difference between short track and speed skating

To understand why these sports are so different, let’s look at the main parameters.

Track

In short track , the distances are relatively short, and the race is very tight and tactical. The Olympic short track program includes the following distances:

• individual distances (for men and women): 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m;
• team relay for men: 5000 m, for women: 3000 m;
• Mixed team: 2000 m.

Speed skating also offers individual distances:

• for men: 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 5000 m, 10 000 m;
• for women: 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, 5000 m.

Since 2018, disciplines with a group format have appeared in the skating program.

The mass start is a race where up to 24 participants take to the ice at the same time, and not only speed is important here, but also position in the peloton and tactics.

The team pursuit takes place between two teams of three skaters: they start on opposite sides of the 400-meter oval, and the final time is recorded when the third team member finishes. In such a race, coherence and the ability to keep a common pace are decided.

Skating competition format

Short track. Athletes go through several rounds of elimination: from preliminary races to quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. Whoever finishes higher (or passes in time in some formats) moves on, so the fight for position begins from the first meters.

Speed skating. Two skaters start at the same time, the winner is determined by the best time among all participants. That is, everyone has only one attempt at the distance, where he must show his maximum.

Equipment and equipment

Short track. Here you need to sharply enter turns and stay on the ice next to others. Therefore, skates have a shorter blade, which is more convenient for maneuvers. Due to frequent falls, a helmet and protection are required: gloves, knee pads, neck protection and a special suit that is more difficult to cut with a blade.

Speed skating. Athletes use specialized speed skates that provide effective acceleration on straight sections and maintain stable contact with the ice. Helmets are required for team or mass start races.

Tactics and style

Short track. The success of the participant depends on the ability to maneuver, choose the right moment to overtake and take risks to defend or improve the position. Every turn and movement is important, so the race is constantly changing.

The signature technique of short trackers is a very low body position and keeping hands on ice, which helps stabilize the body and control speed when cornering.

Speed skating. The main thing here is to show the best time, so the athlete is focused on a stable pace, aerodynamics and energy economy. Accuracy and rhythm of movement are important here, because deviation from the set speed can cost a victory.

Athletes often hold one hand behind their backs, the body is bent at the waist to reduce air resistance and maintain efficiency over long distances.

How to determine the winner

The format  of skating competitions directly affects how the winner is determined, and here the difference between disciplines is especially noticeable.

In  a track skating race, the order of finish in a particular race is decisive. The winner is the one who first crosses the finish line in the final, regardless of the time shown.

Despite the fact that both disciplines are united by ice, they are different worlds that require separate skills, approaches and equipment. The IKS team offers full technical support for both short track and speed skating. You can find the details here.