What is a short track in sports? This is a kind of speed skating, the principle of which is to quickly overcome the distance. Translated from English, “short track” is a short track, and this sport got its name for nothing: the ice track along which skaters move is only 111.12 meters long.
Short Track History
The history of the short track is still unknown. The British and Canadians share laurels among themselves, claiming that they are its founders. But one thing is certain: the short track is a sport in which the competition was first held in Canada. It was in 1905, and then the winner was F. Logen. After that, the Americans became interested in the question “what is a short track in sports”: in 1906, a championship was held in the USA with the participation of this sport, and in 1915 the international championship between the representatives of Canada and the USA took place for the first time. After a long break, the competition was resumed in 1926, and this time the Europeans also fought for the medal. In Europe, this kind of speed skating became known in 1914, when the first competitions were held here. After that, other countries gradually began to learn about what a short track is in sports:
- in 1940 - Australia.
- in 1950 - Belgium, France, Japan.
- in 1970 - Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand.
Since then, the need arose to hold international world championships, and in 1975, by the decision of the ISU, a committee for short-distance running was established. Today, the short track is an Olympic sport and takes part in the Olympics as a personal-team competition.
Outfit of participants
Short track refers to sports with a certain level of risk. That is why skaters act in special overalls made of elastic fabric that do not constrain movement, and with knee pads and shields to reduce the risk of injury when falling. The athlete's head is protected by a helmet (they were specially developed by LAS). To protect the neck, a special device is used, called a collar between athletes, which protects the cervical vertebrae from injuries. During the race, the skaters touch the ice with their palms to balance, so leather gloves with epoxy forms on the fingers and palms are required. Well, the finishing touch is the boots. They are chosen at their own discretion according to endurance, developed speed, weight and physique of the athlete, as well as taking into account the running technique and ice hardness. Boots are made individually for each athlete.
Short Track Blades
Speed skating (short track) requires special attention to the choice of blades: they are quite sharp, 1.1-1.2 mm thick, and reach 38-46 mm in length. They are attached to the boot with two bolts, which is why the list of necessary items for the athlete’s ammunition includes a set of wrenches (see below). The blades are slightly curved to make it easier for an athlete to enter a turn. Blades are made individually with the selection of a convenient radius: if you put them on a flat surface, then they will touch only in one place, in the center. The weight of the boot with the blade does not exceed 500 grams. Also, the blades differ in stiffness, as indicated by their color: red, yellow or silver.
Athlete's Ammunition
The list of ammunition for an athlete involved in short track includes:
- Skate sharpening machine.
- Stone for sharpening blades.
- Stone for deburring after sharpening.
- Set of wrenches.
- Cloth for wiping the skates.
- Covers for blades before going on ice.
- Covers for skates after the race.
This list is not mandatory, but professional athletes consider the presence of each unit from this list a necessity both during training races and during the competition.
Ice Arena
What is a short track in sports and where are competitions held on it? Runs are carried out on a hockey court prepared according to certain requirements.
- The ice on the site should not be thicker than 2-2.5 cm. Between the races it is constantly updated, especially at bends, filling these places with water. Cracks and potholes are treated (sealed) with freezing plants. Before the races, all hockey markings are removed.
- The finish line is shown in white in the center and black (gray) on both sides, its thickness is not more than 1 cm. At an angle of 45 degrees to the ice surface direct rays of light.
- The tracks are separated by markers made of black synthetic rubber.
- Foam rubber mats are installed around the entire circumference of the site. They consist of soft and dense parts, and their height should correspond to the height of the sides.
Short Track Rules
A short track is an individual or team race, depending on this there are rules for going the distance and punishing them for breaking.
Basic rules of individual races
- The race runs counterclockwise.
- Overtaking is allowed while two or more runners are on the same level, so as not to interfere.
- If the runner is a lap behind, he can continue the race closer to the outside of his track.
- If the runner is overtaken twice, he can stop the race, and the finish will be counted.
- The finish moment is the intersection of the line with the tip of the blade.
Basic rules of relay races
- The composition of the team is 4-5 people.
- Each run involves 4 runners from one team.
- Teams whose participants are dressed in different uniforms are excluded from the competition.
- Passing the baton is a touch to the participant.
- The last two circles are overcome by one athlete, without passing the baton.
- A fallen competitor may be replaced by another athlete.