We understand in sports disciplines: the short track differs from speed skating

As you know, the 22nd Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, held under the motto "Hot. Winter. Yours ", looked almost all residents of the country. And many of them, after the huge success of Victor An, wondered: what is the difference between a short track and a speed skating sport? To fully understand this really important issue for fans, you need to consider each sport in detail.

Rules of speed skating

Speed skating is a classical discipline that was already present at the first winter games in France. The most important thing in this match is time. The athlete must run as soon as possible. The fight takes place on the ice track, the standard length of which is 400 meters. In the race simultaneously start two participants. It is worth noting an important feature: the first half of the distance the athlete passes along the inner track, the second part - on the outside. And vice versa. Also they can compete at distances from 500 to 1000 meters. In speed skating, there are also all-around, sprint distances, race-pursuit and competitions at separate distances, the results of which go into personal credit.

Short Track Rules

Short track - a kind of speed skating. Its name, which is literally translated as a "short track," speaks for itself. Competitions for this sport are held at hockey stadiums. Their sizes in Europe and America differ only by 5 meters. The main difference between a short track and speed skating is the length of the track. It is 111.12 meters. From 4 to 8 people can take part in every race, and they all start together. In the program of the Olympic Games, the short track appeared only in 1988, but only as an indicative species. Literally in 4 years the first sets of awards in this competition were played. An important feature of the short track: athletes compete not for the best time, the fight goes on elimination. From each four, two people go into the next round and compete in such a way that there are not four of them left. It is precisely between them that the struggle for medals takes place. Here, as well as in speed skating, individual competitions and relay races are held.

Than the short track differs from speed skating

Naturally, these are not all differences of these sports. In addition to the rules, there is a huge difference in equipment. Let's look at it in more detail.

In the short track, the athlete can not do without special skates, which are higher than the classic skating. This is done so that not only the foot is fixed, but also the ankle. Such skates are made individually. They also have special blades of a different shape. Few people know that the participant sharpens them before every race.

Also short-trackers need hard leather gloves with special forms of epoxy glue, which are worn on the fingers. The helmet must be made of extra strong plastic. The suit is always tight around the body, which allows you to reduce the resistance. To save from injuries will help knee pads, elbow pads and shields for the neck and chin. Some athletes also use glasses with lenses of different colors to protect the eyes.

Briefly about the main

Let's once again note, than the short track differs from skating sports:

1. Length of the track.
2. Number of athletes.
3. Stadium.

Now you know how the short track differs from speed skating, and you will be able to watch your favorite matches at the next winter games, which will be held in the Korean city of Pyeongchang as early as 2018. In the meantime, we still have to wait for the Summer Olympics, and our athletes are eager to prepare for it, in order to repeat their success.