Short Track
Short track has been an Olympic discipline since Albertville 1992; Italy won its first gold medal in 1994 with the national men's 5,000 m relay team at Lillehamer.
Some non-traditional Winter Games nations such as Australia and China lead the field when it comes to performance. In short track speed skating competitions are disputed over shorter distances, similar to the dimensions of a hockey rink (30 x 60 m), with at least four skaters (for the 500 and 1,000 m) and 6 for the 1,500 simultaneouly competing.
The athletes' technique is characterised by a particular position of the body, with an inclination up to 30°, the hand touching the ice in the turns, excellent acceleration during the start and opponents being left behind while avoiding disastrous collisions. A fundamental part of the competitions is formed by its tactics, with a study phase in the longer competitions.
Competitions are divided into individual and relay events: men’s and women’s.
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