Become Short Track Speed Skater...
...we can help you with our experienced olympian coaching staff. If you can skate, we can help you to learn to speed skate! The Mohawks Ice Racing Club, based at the Solihull Ice Rink, is a friendly club that has skaters of all abilities. If you are a competent skater, age 5 and over, and would like to try speed skating on ice then come and join us. Introductory offer of first 4 sessions for £20. We are always looking for new members to join our friendly and successful club. This is a sport that can take you around the world!
For new beginners there is equipment available for use. Own equipment may be used with prior approval. To secure your equipment for a session, register your details by sending us an e-mailing below or call 0121 706 4851. Wear long sleeved top and joggers, bring gloves and shin pads, helmet if you have one. Spectators welcome at any session. On ice participation is at own risk. One free session per skater
What actually is Short Track?
Short track speed skating is a form of competitive ice speed skating. In competitions, multiple skaters (typically between four and six) skate on an oval ice track with a circumference of 111.12 m. The rink itself is 60 m by 30 m, which is roughly the same size as a normal ice skating rink. This is why Short Track Speed Skating is possible in most ice rinks in the U.K.
Race distances vary depending on age. typically junior skaters race over 222m (2 laps of the rink), 333m (3 laps) or even 777m (....you guessed it ...7 laps of the rink). Senior stakers can race over distances such as 500m, 777m, 1000m, 1500m.
It is a fantastic sport that is fast and thrilling. Come and join us at the world famous Mohawks Ice Racing Club.
Requirements to skate with us at Mohawks
- Be at least 5 years of age
- Be able to ice skate reasonably well.
- Have a passion for fun and speed!
Racing Structure
In short track speed skating, skaters race in age categories. Depending on the competition, the categories can sometimes also be split into Boys and Girls. The cut-off date for the age is 1st July. The race season usually begins in September.
The Categories:
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Pee Wee 2 (Jun E) - Under 11’s
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Pee Wee 1 (Jun D) - 11-12 yrs
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Juvenile (Jun C) - 13-14 yrs
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Junior B - 15-16 yrs
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Junior A - 17-18 yrs
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Senior 19-34
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Masters 35 and over
The History of Short Track
Short Track has a long past history, especially in the U.K dating back to at least 1935 when the Mohawks Ice Racing Club began. However the first official World Short Track Championships were not held until 1976 in Champaign, IL, USA. The Great Britian was Alex McGow, Dave Hampton, Paul Daniels and Phil Walker.
Short Track first appeared at the Olympics in 1988 at the XV Winter Olympics held at Calgary, Canada. The Great Britian team consisted of a mens team of Wilf O'Reilly (Mohawks), Stuart Horsepool (Nottingham), Ian Ellis (Nottingham), Steve Humber (then Nottingham now Mohawks) and Robert Blair (Ayr). At this event Wilf won 2 GOLD medals in the 500m and 1000m distances.
Mohawks - World Championships and Olympics
Since these first World Championships and Olympics the Mohawks Ice Racing Club has had athletes representing Great Britain / TeamGB at almost all competitions.
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