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 rinks, utilizing their speed and technical skills. Speed skating is divided into two main disciplines: Long Track and 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 the sport emphasizes cornering technique, balance, speed control, and strategic overtaking.

^{Sürat Pateni} (T.C. Erzurum Valiliği)

• Track Length: 111.12 meters (constructed within an international ice hockey rink).
• Surface: Ice
• Skates: Specialized shoes with long, curved blades are used.
• Helmet, 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.

^{Sürat Pateni} (T.C. Erzurum Valiliği)

• 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 final.

Short Track athletes are expected to possess the following characteristics:

• High anaerobic capacity
• Explosive power and lower limb endurance
• Static and dynamic balance
• Rapid decision making and reflexes
• Neuropsychological coordination and strategic planning ability

Athlete development is monitored through the following tests:

• Body composition analysis
• Jump test
• Static and dynamic balance tests
• Lower limb strength and power tests
• Anaerobic capacity measurements
• Neuropsychological assessments using technologies such as EEG and fNIRS. These tests are used to personalize training programs and identify injury risks in advance.

^{Sürat Pateni} (T.C. Erzurum Valiliği)

Speed skating in Türkiye is governed by the Türkiye Ice Skating Federation. The Short Track National Team is developing through youth academies and elite athlete development programs.

At the 2022 Winter Olympics, Furkan Akar achieved sixth place in the men’s 1000 meter race, securing Türkiye’s best result in winter Olympic history.

Following this success, internal competition within the team intensified and athlete motivation increased. National team training camps are supported by conditioning programs conducted on diverse surfaces such as the Kocaeli Gulf Racing 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 assessments of athletes. The center offers advanced services including neurofeedback, biofeedback and injury risk mapping.

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 discipline through youth camps, scientific testing infrastructure and successful national athletes.