why do speed skaters touch each other

Speed skaters often touch each other because physical contact is a built‑in part of how the sport works, especially in short‑track and relay events.

The Main Reasons They Touch

• Drafting and positioning. In pack-style or mass-start races, skaters skate very close to each other to save energy in the slipstream, which naturally leads to shoulders, arms, or hands brushing.

• Maintaining balance in traffic. On tight tracks and at very high speeds, a light touch on someone’s hip, back, or arm can help both skaters stay balanced and avoid a worse collision when lines cross in a corner.

• Relay “pushes.” In short-track relays, teammates literally push the skater in front on the hip or butt to transfer momentum and help them accelerate smoothly during exchanges.

• Non‑penalized contact. The rules recognize that some contact is unavoidable; “protective or inconsequent small positioning pushes” are allowed and not punished as long as they do not unfairly hinder another skater.

When Touching Becomes Illegal

• Pushing from behind to gain advantage. If a skater shoves another from behind in a way that causes contact or a fall, it can trigger specific penalties under race rules.

• Blocking or lane changes that cause contact. Cutting into another skater’s line on straights or corner entries and creating contact can also be penalized if it interferes with their race.

So, speed skaters touch each other mainly because they skate extremely close at high speed, use controlled contact (especially in relays) to go faster and stay upright, and the rules allow limited, non‑dangerous contact as part of normal racing.

Quick Scoop

• They skate in tight packs at high speed, so light contact is inevitable.
• Teammates deliberately push each other in relays to transfer speed.
• The rules allow small, “protective” touches but penalize forceful shoves or blocking moves.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.