Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics is simply the biggest event in short track even overshadowing the World Short Track Championships. Unlike the World Championships that gets little coverage outside of Canada, Korea and China, the Olympics brings short track into the skating limelight.

History

Short track speed skating was introduced as a demonstration sport in Calgary at the 1988 Olympics. All 3 distances were raced, but no medals are given for demonstration sports.

Short track became a medal even in 1992. Though only the men's 1000m and the women's 500m were raced. Kim-Ki Hoon of Korea and Cathy Turner of the United States were the first two Olympic gold medal winners.

At the 1994 Winter Olympics, the 500m and 1000m were raced for both the ladies and the men. It wasn't until the 2002 Olympics that short track added the 1500m.

Qualifying for the Olympics

Olympic qualifying rules are developed by the International Skating Union. They have changed over the years to accommodate more countries with short track teams.

Currently, only 110 skaters are allowed to attend -- 55 men and 55 ladies. During an Olympic season, two World Cups are designated at Olympic Qualifiers. The cumulative points earned individually and for the team, determine who qualifies for the Olympics.

The top 8 teams get to send 5 skaters each for the relay. The remaining skaters are determined by their ranking in the individual events.

Event difference between the Olympics vs World Cup