Speed Skating Returns With Full Long‑Track, Short‑Track, Mass‑Start Slate at Milan‑Cortina 2026
Updated (3 articles)
Event Schedule and Disciplines Confirmed The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature long‑track, short‑track, and a 16‑lap mass‑start speed skating program [1]. Long‑track races cover distances from 500 m to 10,000 m, while short‑track events take place on a hockey‑sized rink [1]. The mass‑start will host roughly two dozen skaters competing for points throughout the race [1].
Competition Formats and Technical Rules Long‑track races use a 400‑meter oval with two skaters racing simultaneously, swapping inner and outer lanes each lap to equalize distance [1]. Officials may disqualify athletes for missed lane changes, interference, or false starts [1]. Short‑track events involve multiple skaters navigating tight turns and frequent contact, increasing the likelihood of penalties [1].
Team Pursuit and Mass‑Start Strategies Team pursuit teams consist of three skaters per nation, with the final time recorded when the last athlete crosses the line, emphasizing coordinated pacing and drafting [1]. In the mass‑start, competitors draft behind one another and use sling‑shot tactics to accumulate points, adding a strategic layer beyond pure speed [1].
Venue Characteristics and Speed Expectations The long‑track oval allows athletes to reach highway‑level speeds, requiring extreme lean angles that can bring their hands close to the ice [1]. Short‑track’s compact rink intensifies competition, often resulting in collisions and rapid position changes [1]. These formats showcase both the technical precision and raw velocity of elite speed skating [1].
Timeline
1908 – Figure skating makes its Olympic debut at the Summer Games in London, marking the sport’s first appearance on the global stage and setting the foundation for future winter competition [1][3].
1924 – Figure skating becomes a permanent fixture of the Winter Olympics at Chamonix, France, establishing the discipline as a core element of the winter program [1][3].
Dec 2025 – Olympic officials announce that figure skating will headline the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Games, emphasizing its blend of athletic power and artistic expression on blades just one‑eighth of an inch wide; the program includes men’s and women’s singles, pairs, ice dance, and a team event, each with a short program and free skate [1][3].
Jan 2026 – The United States selects its Olympic figure skating team after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, using the national competition as the selection mechanism for the Milan‑Cortina Games [1][3].
Feb 2026 – The Winter Olympics feature a full slate of speed skating disciplines—long‑track, short‑track, mass‑start, and team pursuit—testing athletes’ speed, technique, and strategic drafting on a 400‑meter oval and a hockey‑sized rink [2].
Feb 2026 – Figure skating competitions unfold at the Milan‑Cortina Games, with judges evaluating technical elements (jumps, lifts, spins) and presentation (artistry, musical interpretation) across the five medal events, each comprising a short program and a free skate [1][3].