Short-track speed skating is set to be one of the most thrilling highlights of the 2026 Winter Olympics, delivering nonstop action, dramatic finishes, and intense rivalries on the ice. With lightning-fast laps, tight corners, and tactical passing, every race can change in seconds. Fans around the world are already searching for the short-track speed skating schedule, how qualification works, where to stream the events live, and how the medal table will shape up during the Games.
Short-track Speed Skating Qualification System (Milano-Cortina 2026)
The qualification process for the nine short-track speed skating events at the 2026 Winter Olympics is based on athlete performance during selected 2025–26 ISU Short Track World Tour events. Skaters earn points and results that feed into the Special Olympic Qualification Classifications rankings, which are then used for quota allocation to each National Olympic Committee (NOC).
This system ensures that the strongest and most consistent athletes across the season secure Olympic spots, making the Olympic competition even more competitive and high quality.
Short-track Speed Skating Events & Quota Overview
Here’s the event breakdown and entry limits for Milano-Cortina 2026:
Individual Events
- Men’s 500m – 32 skaters
- Women’s 500m – 32 skaters
- Men’s 1000m – 32 skaters
- Women’s 1000m – 32 skaters
- Men’s 1500m – 36 skaters
- Women’s 1500m – 36 skaters
Team Events
- Men’s 5000m Relay – 8 teams
- Women’s 3000m Relay – 8 teams
- Mixed Team Relay (2000m) – 12 teams
With individual sprints and endurance races plus team relays, this Olympic program offers a perfect balance of speed, strategy, and teamwork.
Short-track Speed Skating Schedule (Milano Ice Skating Arena)
All sessions listed below take place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Tuesday, 10 February
- 10:30 – Women’s 500m Heats
- 11:08 – Men’s 1000m Heats
- 11:53 – Mixed Team Relay Quarterfinals
- 12:23 – Mixed Team Relay Semifinals
- 12:48 – Mixed Team Relay Final B
- 12:56 – Mixed Team Relay Final A
Thursday, 12 February
- 20:15 – Women’s 500m Quarterfinals
- 20:29 – Men’s 1000m Quarterfinals
- 20:58 – Women’s 500m Semifinals
- 21:05 – Men’s 1000m Semifinals
- 21:26 – Women’s 500m Final B
- 21:31 – Women’s 500m Final A
- 21:37 – Men’s 1000m Final B
- 21:43 – Men’s 1000m Final A
Saturday, 14 February
- 20:15 – Men’s 1500m Quarterfinals
- 20:59 – Women’s 1000m Heats
- 21:44 – Men’s 1500m Semifinals
- 22:00 – Women’s 3000m Relay Semifinals
- 22:27 – Men’s 1500m Final B
- 22:34 – Men’s 1500m Final A
Monday, 16 February
- 11:00 – Women’s 1000m Quarterfinals
- 11:18 – Men’s 500m Heats
- 11:55 – Women’s 1000m Semifinals
- 12:04 – Men’s 5000m Relay Semifinals
- 12:36 – Women’s 1000m Final B
- 12:42 – Women’s 1000m Final A
Wednesday, 18 February
- 20:15 – Men’s 500m Quarterfinals
- 20:42 – Men’s 500m Semifinals
- 20:50 – Women’s 3000m Relay Final B
- 20:59 – Women’s 3000m Relay Final A
- 21:24 – Men’s 500m Final B
- 21:29 – Men’s 500m Final A
Friday, 20 February
- 20:15 – Women’s 1500m Quarterfinals
- 21:00 – Women’s 1500m Semifinals
- 21:17 – Men’s 5000m Relay Final B
- 21:29 – Men’s 5000m Relay Final A
- 21:56 – Women’s 1500m Final B
- 22:03 – Women’s 1500m Final A
Short-track Speed Skating Medal Table (Live Updates)
The official short-track speed skating medal table will update throughout the competition as finals conclude. It will include:
- Gold medals
- Silver medals
- Bronze medals
- Total medals by country
Top-performing nations traditionally build their medal count through both individual events and relay races, where teamwork and depth play a major role.
Quick Links
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Streaming Channels & Broadcasters (By Country)
Fans can watch 2026 Winter Olympics short-track speed skating live through official broadcasters, including:
- United Kingdom – BBC
- United States – NBCUniversal
- Canada – CBC / Radio-Canada
- Australia – Nine and Stan Sport
For the best experience, viewers should check their local listings for exact live coverage times, replays, and highlights.
Final Thoughts
With packed sessions, high-speed finals, and medal-deciding relays, short-track speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics will be a must-watch event. Whether you’re tracking the full schedule, following the medal table, or searching for the best streaming platforms, Milano-Cortina 2026 promises unforgettable moments on the ice.