The short track speed skating event has been a part of the Winter Olympics since 1992 in Albertville, France. The sport, since its inception, has been dominated by South Korea, China, Canada and the United States. These four countries have combined to win 81 of the possible 96 medals awarded in this event since 1998.

Short track speed skating has only been around for a hundred years or so originating in Canada and the United States in about 1905. The first short track speed skating event has been said to have taken place sometime in 1909. As the 1920’s and 30’s approached, the sports popularity was growing strong in Great Britain, Japan, France, Belgium and Australia. All though it wasn’t until 1967 that short track speed skating became a part of the International Skating Union and then not until 1976 that official short track speed skating started taking place at ISU competitions.

The short track speed skating event takes place on 111.12m track that is within a hockey rink. The tight corners make it very difficult for the skaters to race and maintain control. The short track racers compete against themselves rather than the clock. In short track speed skating there are a series heats with either four or six skaters, the top two skaters at the end of each heat advance to the next round. Only the top four skaters advance to the finals.

The men and women compete in the short track relays which take place over a two day period. This two day competition includes a semi-final and a final. Eight teams made up of four skaters and one substitute participates in the relay. The final two laps must be skated by the same competitor. In order to continue the race, instead of passing a baton the skater is only required to touch the next skater, although it is more common for the next competitor to crouch down and receive a push to help gain more momentum for their start.

There a number of different short track events, including;

During the Vancouver Olympics the short track speed skating competitions will be taking place at the Pacific Coliseum located at Hastings Park which is one of Vancouver’s major events sites. The venue capacity is 14,239. All of the major upgrades to the Coliseum were completed in the fall of 2007. The improvements to the venue cost $20.4 million.

Here is a look at the sustainable attributes for this particular venue as presented by the Vancouver Olympic Committee otherwise known as VANOC:

All of the upgrades to the Hastings Park area are part of a long term restoration project that began back in 1994.

Enjoy the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.