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Unlike long-track speed skaters, short trackers don't go up against the
clock. They go against each other.
It's fast, it's intense, it's for both men and women and individuals and
teams -- and it can get really hairy.
Starts, especially in the 500-meter race and the relays, are critical
because getting to the inside position on the oval is so important.
Athletes are allowed one false start. After that, they're disqualified.
Spills are routine.
The event starts with a series of preliminary heats, culminating in a
four-person final. Individual racers must compete in both the 500- and
1,000-meter races. The men's relay is 5,000 meters, while the women's is
3,000.
The 500 is pretty much an all-out sprint for 4 1/2 laps. Some of the best
action, though, takes place with the relays.
Team members can skate as many laps as they want in relays, and someone
who finishes a lap can come back in, if the teams wants it. The
changeover, like the baton exchange in track and field, is critical.
Skaters only have to touch each other for the exchange to take place, but
the "push" is the more likely way the exchange is made, as athletes try
to pass their momentum onto their teammate. The final two laps must be
skated by one athlete, leading to some very close finishes for the medals.
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Chun Lee-Kyung, South Korea, won last three Worlds
Yang A Yang, China, shared last Worlds title with Chun
Marc Gagnon, Canada, no lower than second in Worlds since '93
Isabelle Charest, Canada, only woman to break 45 seconds in 500
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| Feb. 17 |
Men's 1,000 prelims and final
7:00 p.m. JT (5:00 a.m. ET)
Women's 3,000 relay prelims and finals
7:00 p.m. JT (5:00 a.m. ET) |
| Feb. 19 |
Women's 500 prelims and final
7:00 p.m. JT (5:00 a.m. ET)
Men's 500 prelims
7:00 p.m. JT (5:00 a.m. ET)
Men's 5,000 relay prelims
7:00 p.m. JT (5:00 a.m. ET) |
| Feb. 21 |
Women's 1,000 final
7:00 p.m. JT (5:00 a.m. ET)
Men's 500 final
7:00 p.m. JT (5:00 a.m. ET)
Men's 5,000 relay final
7:00 p.m. JT (5:00 a.m. ET) |
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