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14:19 on 4th December 2007

The juxtaposition of speed and potential spills makes this one of the most thrilling of all Olympic Winter sports. It is one of the few events where competitors race directly against each other rather than against the clock.

Short track differs in several ways from conventional speed skating, particularly in the obvious differences in the size of the track and the nature of the competition, but also in the competitor’s equipment.

Races take place around an oval track (measuring around 111.12m) designed to fit inside an average ice rink. The bends are tight and “short trackers” skate close together counter-clockwise jockeying for position and trying to cover any attempted breaks within the pack. The odd clash and tumble are inevitable with the walls and the rink being heavily padded.

Although the aim is still to be the first across the line, speed takes a second place to tactics, especially in the heats.

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