OLYMPIC DEBUT

1992, Albertville, France

ORIGINS

Short-track speed skating developed in the early 1900's due to the lack of indoor long-tracks on which to train and compete. It was featured as an unofficial spectacle in the 1932 Olympics due to its popularity, but was not even sanctioned by the International Skating Union until 1967.

Short-track races were added to the official Olympic programme in 1992. Atypical nations, for a winter scenario sport, such as Australia and China, have led the field.