While the Europeans can take credit for the development of long-track speed skating, credit for short-track belongs squarely with the North Americans, who around 1906 adapted the rules, moved it indoors, added more skaters and shrunk the track. |
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Short-track skaters can reach speeds up to 50 km/h, and at such speeds with a number of skaters bunched together, wipeouts and takeouts are common. Inevitably, short-track gets dubbed "roller derby on ice," but most skaters scorn that comparison, which wrongly implies mayhem and lawlessness on the ice. Rather, it's a volatile sport in which skaters have to be as smart, alert, tactical and opportunistic as they are fast.
Find out more about the nuances of short track speed skating >>> |
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Charging the Block: Passing on the inside of the congested area just as the skaters make a turn. Experienced skaters will not let anyone sneak by on the inside, and will try to force the skater to back off or turn wide.
Find out more about the language of Short Track Speed Skating.
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