Short track speed skating is a sport where athletes compete to be the fastest to finish an ice track with a length of 111.12 meters.
2001
Established at Special Olympics
Starting as early as 1905, short track speed skating began in Canada and the United States due to the lack of 400 meter long tracks. While practicing on ice rinks, many North American athletes experienced new challenges such as tighter turns and shorter straightaways. This ultimately led to establishing different techniques for skaters to use in order to win speed skating competitions.
Short track speed skating provides both cardiovascular and aerobic benefits while also improving muscle strength, balance and coordination.