History of Short Track Speed Skating
It's generally accepted that the idea of short track originated in Canada and the United States in the early 1900's. Like all ideas, it stemmed from an original concept and a problem. The solution was short track.
That original concept was long track speed skating which had been holding competitions for decades. Long track was the predominate ice racing sport throughout Europe, at the turn of century, with available ice for skaters to practice. The problem was that with the popularity of long track growing in the North America, there were more skaters than ice.
Perhaps it was a lack of 400 meter long track oval that forced many North American skaters to practice on hockey rinks. Maybe they wanted to practice long track in the relatively warmer climate of an indoor rink. However, practicing on a smaller track brought new challenges, like tighter turns and shorter straightaways which lead to different techniques in order to win on a shorter track.
More than likely a small segment of skaters concentrated on improving those techniques to beat their fellow racers on a smaller rink. What good is racing if you can't win? Sometime during this period came the idea of mass starts and short track became a new sport, not just long track on a smaller oval.
Short Track Timeline
1906
Short track competitions are held in Canada and the United States.
1907
The International Skating Union in formed in Montreal, Canada.
1910
The first official short track competition occurs.
1930
The popularity of short track increases in Canada and the U.S. Competions become more regular as onlookers become increasingly fascinated with the fast-paced intensity of the sport.
1932
The idea of pack-style speed skating is shown to the world at the Lake Placid Olympics. The event actually took place on the long track oval. Apparently, the crowds loved it.
1967
The ISU declares short track speed skating an offical sport, but it is not yet sanctioned world-wide. Countries continue to compete amongst themselves.
1981
The first ISU-sanctioned short-track World Championship is held at Meudon-la-Foret, France.
1982
Short track develops in China in the northeast provinces.
1986
This year marks the first time China competes in a short track championship.
1988
Short Track is an exhibition sport at the Calgary Olympics. No medals are given.
1991
The first World Short Track Team Championships are held in Seoul, Korea.
1992
Short Track is recognized as an official Olympic sport in Albertville, France. Kim Ki-hoon (KOR) and Cathy Turner (USA) win the first Olympic gold medals.
1994
The first World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships is held in Seoul, Korea.
The 1000m was added to men's Olympic short track and the 500m was added to the ladies Olympic short track.
1997
The first year that the World Cups for Short Track Speed Skating is held.
The first European Championships in Short Track Speed Skating is held in Malmö, Sweden.
2002
The 1500m was added to Olympic short track for both men and ladies.
