Short track speed skating races began to occur in Europe shortly after speed skating became an established international sport. The International Skating Union was founded in 1892, three years after the first longtrack World Championships.Prior to the arrival of short track at the Olympics, it was common for skaters to compete in short and longtrack events. Short track ovals were covered and offered a place for skaters to train all year. Many longtrack racers would practice sprinting and turning techniques around the small oval. Some even competed in short track competitions. With the development of new indoor longtrack facilities, the crosssport training is not as popular anymore. Also, now that short track has become established as an Olympic sport, racers have been forced to specialise to succeed.Short track speed skating was first included in the official programme at the XVI Olympic Winter Games in Albertville in 1992.

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