Is Treacy Paving the Way for a Better Future in Short Track Skating?

Niall Treacy, Great Britain's only representative in short track speed skating at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, aims to elevate the sport’s profile in the UK. Inspired by his brother Farrell, who competed alongside him at the last Olympics, Treacy sees his participation as a chance to inspire future skaters and secure better funding for the sport. He will compete in the 500m, 1,000m, and 1,500m events, starting with the 1,000m on 10 February.

Last updated: 1 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Niall Treacy is gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, where he will be competing as the sole short track speed skater for Team GB. His journey to the Olympics has been marked by a significant send-off event, attended by over 500 schoolchildren at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham. Treacy’s training has included sessions with the Dutch national team, highlighting his commitment to achieving strong results in Italy.

Key takeaways

Niall Treacy is Team GB's only short track skater at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
He aims to inspire a new generation of skaters and improve funding for the sport.
Treacy starts his competition in the 1,000m event on 10 February.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Niall Treacy and the short track speed skating programme has been shaped by various milestones:

2018: Great Britain sends five athletes to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
2022: Treacy finishes 27th in the 1,000m at the Beijing Olympics.
2024: Treacy wins silver at the European Short Track Championships and bronze in Beijing during the World Tour.
2026: Treacy is selected as the only short track skater for the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Niall Treacy's preparation for the Winter Olympics has been bolstered by a surprise send-off event and training with the Dutch national team, enhancing his readiness for competition. His perspective on securing a medal reflects a desire to improve the sport's profile in the UK.

What was already established

Previously, the British short track speed skating team faced funding challenges, especially with the drop in support leading up to the Beijing 2022 Olympics. The recent allocation of funding, amounting to just under £2 million for short track and long track speed skating combined, indicates a slight improvement, though the sport continues to rely on self-funding.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of Niall Treacy in the Olympics could influence public interest in short track speed skating, potentially leading to increased participation and viewership. A medal could also enhance the profile of winter sports, which historically receive less attention in the UK compared to summer sports.

Businesses and jobs

Treacy’s performance may affect sponsorship and investment opportunities for short track speed skating, which could lead to more structured support for athletes. Increased funding from UK Sport might enable athletes to focus solely on their training, reducing the need for part-time jobs.

Policy and regulation

The current funding framework for short track speed skating, which has seen significant fluctuations, indicates the need for a more stable support system. Treacy's efforts and potential success may prompt policymakers to reassess their investment strategies in winter sports.

Numbers that matter

£4.8 million: funding received for the PyeongChang Olympics.
£700,000: funding allocated to the short track programme leading up to the Beijing Games.
£2 million: current funding allocation for short track and long track speed skating combined.
27th: Treacy’s finish in the 1,000m event at the Beijing Olympics.
500+: number of schoolchildren who attended Treacy’s send-off event.

Definitions and jargon buster

Short track speed skating: A form of competitive ice skating where athletes race on an oval track, typically in a group setting.
UK Sport: The organisation responsible for investing in Olympic and Paralympic sports in the UK.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Treacy will be competing in multiple events, beginning with the 1,000m on 10 February. His performance will be critical in setting the tone for the rest of the Olympics.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, the focus will shift to the World Championships in March, where the British relay team aims to make an impact following their qualification.

Signals to watch

Results from the 1,000m event on 10 February.
Overall performance of Team GB in winter sports at the Olympics.
Future funding announcements from UK Sport based on Olympic outcomes.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Treacy's journey closely during the Olympics for updates on his performance.
Support local ice skating clubs to foster interest in the sport.

Don’t

Overlook the importance of funding and support for winter sports in the UK.
Assume that success in the Olympics will automatically lead to increased funding.

Checklist

Check the schedule for Treacy's events at the Winter Olympics.
Stay informed about funding changes in winter sports post-Olympics.
Engage with local skating communities or clubs.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The challenges for Treacy and the GB short track programme include the inherent unpredictability of Olympic competitions, where performance can be influenced by numerous external factors. Funding for winter sports remains contingent on results, which adds pressure on athletes. The potential for changes in UK Sport’s funding strategy post-Olympics also introduces uncertainty regarding the future of short track speed skating in the UK.

Bottom line

Niall Treacy's participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics represents a pivotal moment for short track speed skating in Great Britain. His performance could significantly shape the future of the sport, influencing funding and inspiring the next generation of athletes. The outcome in Milan-Cortina will not only impact Treacy's career but also the broader winter sports landscape in the UK.

FAQs

What are the events Treacy will compete in at the Winter Olympics?

Niall Treacy will compete in the 500m, 1,000m, and 1,500m short track speed skating events at the Winter Olympics.

How does funding impact short track speed skating in the UK?

Funding is crucial as it affects training, resources, and athlete support, which can significantly influence performance at international competitions.

When does Treacy's Olympic campaign begin?

Niall Treacy's Olympic campaign begins on 10 February with the 1,000m event.