The upcoming Italy Winter Olympic in Milano Cortina 2026 will continue to showcase thrilling Olympic Short Track Speed Skating events. Expect fierce competition as traditional powerhouses South Korea, China, and Canada vie for medals. New talents and emerging teams will also aim to make their mark on the international stage.

Since its introduction as an official Olympic sport in 1992 at Albertville, Olympic Short Track Speed Skating has evolved significantly. The early years saw South Korea’s Kim Ki-hoon and China’s Yang Yang (A) make impressive debuts. By the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games, South Korea’s Kim Dong-sung and China’s Yang Yang (S) had established themselves as top competitors. The 1998 Nagano Winter Games marked China’s rise to dominance with Yang Yang (A) winning three golds and one silver, while South Korea’s Kim Dong-sung and Ahn Hyun-soo (later Viktor Ahn) also stood out.

In 2002 Salt Lake City, Ahn Hyun-soo's three gold medals solidified his status, and China continued to perform strongly. The 2006 Turin Games saw Wang Meng of China capture three gold medals, further establishing her dominance, though South Korea remained a formidable force. The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics highlighted Apolo Ohno of the USA, who earned his final medals, with China and South Korea still prominent.

By the 2014 Sochi Games, China’s Zhou Yang and the women’s relay team showcased their prowess, while South Korea continued to be a significant player. The 2018 PyeongChang Olympics saw South Korea’s strength with multiple medals, but China’s athletes, including Zhou Yang and Ren Ziwei, also made strong showings. The 2022 Beijing Games continued the trend of top performances from South Korea, China, and Canada, reflecting a dynamic and competitive field in Olympic Short Track Speed Skating.