Short Track Speed Skating

Speed skating is a winter sport in which athletes aim to complete specific distances in the shortest possible time using specialized skates on ice. Athletes compete on ice tracks by utilizing their speed and technical skills. Speed skating is divided into two main disciplines: Long Track and Short Track.

What is Short Track?

Short Track is a form of speed skating in which multiple athletes race simultaneously on a circular track, typically 111.12 meters in length. Races are held indoors, and competitors’ ability to navigate turns, maintain balance, control speed, and execute strategic overtakes is paramount.

Speed Skating (Republic of Türkiye Erzurum Governorate)

Track and Equipment Specifications

• Track Length: 111.12 meters (constructed within an international ice hockey rink)
• Surface: Ice
• Skates: Specialized shoes with long, curved blades are used.
• Helmets, gloves, knee pads, and cut-resistant clothing are mandatory. Athletes lean sideways during turns, increasing the likelihood of contact. Therefore, rule violations are closely monitored.

Speed Skating (Republic of Türkiye Erzurum Governorate)

Race Categories

• Individual races: 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m
• Relay races: Women (3000 m), Men (5000 m), Mixed (2000 m)
• Elimination system: Athletes compete in qualifying rounds to advance to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.

Physical and Psychological Attributes

Short Track athletes are expected to possess the following characteristics:

• High anaerobic capacity
• Explosive power and lower limb endurance
• Static and dynamic balance
• Quick decision-making and reflexes
• Neuro-psychological coordination and strategic planning ability

Performance Measurement and Testing

Athlete development is monitored through the following tests:

• Body composition analysis
• Jump tests
• Static and dynamic balance tests
• Lower limb strength and power tests
• Anaerobic capacity measurements
• Neuro-psychological assessments using technologies such as EEG and fNIRS. These tests are used to personalize training programs and predict injury risks.

Speed Skating (Republic of Türkiye Erzurum Governorate)

Development of Short Track in Türkiye

In Türkiye, speed skating is managed under the umbrella of the Türkiye Buz Pateni Federasyonu. The Short Track National Team is developing through youth academies and elite athlete development programs.

At the 2022 Winter Olympics, Furkan Akar finished 6th in the men’s 1000 meter race, achieving Türkiye’s best result in winter Olympic history.

Following this success, internal competition within the team increased and athlete motivation rose. National team training camps are supported by conditioning programs conducted on diverse surfaces including the Kocaeli Gulf Race Track, athletics tracks, and fitness centers.

In addition, the Atatürk University Sports Science Application and Research Center provides a scientific infrastructure for physiological and psychological testing of athletes. The center offers advanced services such as neuro-feedback, bio-feedback, and injury risk mapping.

International Organizations and Competitions

Short Track athletes participate in the following international events:

• ISU World Cup
• European Championship
• World Championship
• European Youth Olympic Winter Festival (EYOF)
• Winter Olympic Games

Speed skating is a winter sport that requires physical endurance and technical proficiency, as well as strategic thinking, rapid decision-making, and mental resilience. Türkiye continues to advance in this field through youth camps, scientific testing infrastructure, and successful national athletes.