Is Great Britain Really 25 Years Behind the World's Best in Short Track?

Short track speed skating in Great Britain is facing significant challenges, with Niall Treacy recently experiencing a disappointing performance at the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics. The sport has been hindered by outdated facilities and reduced funding, trailing behind top nations. As Treacy competes alone in a sport that once boasted a competitive team, the future of short track skating in the UK appears uncertain.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Niall Treacy, the sole representative for Great Britain in short track speed skating, recently competed in the 1500m final at the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics. Unfortunately, he finished ninth after crashing during the race, adding to a series of setbacks he faced in all three events he participated in, including the 500m and 1000m. This solitary participation is indicative of the decline in the sport's stature and funding in the UK, as Team GB was unable to fill its quota of three athletes, a stark contrast to the five competitors sent to the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics.

Key takeaways

• Niall Treacy crashed in all events at Milan 2026, finishing ninth in the 1500m final.
• Great Britain’s funding for short track has decreased from £4.8 million before PyeongChang 2018 to under £2 million for 2026.
• Team GB is struggling with outdated facilities and a lack of resources compared to top nations.

Timeline: how we got here

The decline of short track speed skating in Great Britain can be traced through several key events:

• 2018: Team GB sent a well-funded team of five to the PyeongChang Olympics, including world champion Elise Christie, with hopes for medals.
• 2018: Following a failure to medal, funding for short track was significantly cut by UK Sport.
• 2023: Niall Treacy competes as the only British athlete in Milan, highlighting the lack of depth in the sport.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Niall Treacy’s performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics has highlighted the current state of British short track, where he was the only competitor amidst a backdrop of dwindling resources. Jon Eley, head of performance, has spoken out about the need for better facilities and funding, emphasising that the sport is now classified as a development sport.

What was already established

The decline in funding and facilities has been a growing concern since the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. The team’s inability to medal there led to reduced financial support, making it increasingly difficult for athletes to compete at the highest level. Eley’s comments reveal a clear urgency for improvement in the training environment and resource allocation.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The decline of short track in the UK is impacting not only athletes but also fans and potential future athletes. Lack of adequate facilities means fewer opportunities for young skaters to train and develop their skills, likely leading to a decline in interest and participation in the sport. This could ultimately affect local economies that benefit from sporting events and training camps.

Businesses and jobs

With the reduction in funding and facilities, the short track speed skating sector faces challenges in hiring quality coaches and staff. The necessity to train abroad, as Treacy did with the Dutch team, adds to overhead costs for athletes and their support teams, thus hindering the growth of the sport in the UK.

Policy and regulation

UK Sport has indicated that short track will continue to be funded as a development sport, which suggests that immediate improvements may not be forthcoming. The focus appears to be on building a stronger team for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps, but without substantial changes to facilities and funding, achieving this goal may be difficult.

Numbers that matter

• £4.8 million: Funding provided by UK Sport for short track skating before the 2018 Olympics.
• £2 million: Current funding allocated for short track and long track speed skating combined for the 2026 Olympics.
• 1: The number of athletes representing Team GB in short track at the 2026 Games.
• 25 years: The time since Britain had a world-class facility for short track speed skating.
• 5: The number of athletes sent to the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Short track speed skating: A form of competitive ice skating where athletes race on an oval track, typically on 111.12m or 60m circuits.
• UK Sport: The government agency responsible for investing in Olympic and Paralympic sports in the UK.
• PyeongChang 2018: The Winter Olympics held in South Korea where Team GB competed in various winter sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will be on evaluating Treacy's performance and identifying areas for improvement. Discussions regarding the future of short track and its funding will likely take centre stage within British Ice Skating.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Long-term strategies must be developed to enhance training facilities and recruit more athletes. The aim would be to increase participation and create a stronger foundation for future competitions.

Signals to watch

• Changes in funding allocations from UK Sport for short track speed skating.
• Initiatives aimed at improving training facilities in the UK.
• Participation rates in short track and related winter sports.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage local ice rinks to support short track events.
• Engage with youth programmes to foster interest in short track skating.
• Advocate for increased funding and resources for winter sports in the UK.

Don’t

• Assume that short track will automatically improve without significant investment.
• Neglect the importance of grassroots participation in developing talent.
• Overlook the need for proper training facilities and coaching staff.

Checklist

• Assess local ice rinks for short track training potential.
• Identify local clubs and organisations offering short track programs.
• Explore funding options for improving facilities.
• Track participation statistics in ice sports.
• Engage with stakeholders in winter sports for collaboration.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The future of short track speed skating in the UK remains uncertain due to ongoing funding challenges and a lack of suitable facilities. While there are plans for improvement, the reality is that many competing nations have already advanced significantly. Unless immediate action is taken, the gap between Great Britain and leading nations may continue to widen. Additionally, the current classification of short track as a development sport may limit opportunities for immediate growth and visibility.

Bottom line

Short track speed skating in Great Britain is at a critical juncture. With Niall Treacy's recent performance highlighting the sport's struggles, there is an urgent need for investment in facilities and athlete development. As Team GB looks towards the future, particularly for the 2030 Winter Olympics, significant changes will be necessary to remain competitive on the world stage.

FAQs

What is short track speed skating?

Short track speed skating is a competitive ice skating event where athletes race on an oval track. It is known for its fast-paced action and close finishes.

Why is funding for short track skating declining?

Funding has declined due to a lack of medals in international competitions, leading to reduced financial support from UK Sport.

What are the prospects for British short track in the future?

The prospects depend largely on improved funding, facilities, and a focus on talent development to build a more competitive team for future Olympics.