US Speedskating: 2026 Olympic Winter Games Short Track Speed Skating Athlete Selection Procedures

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

These procedures outline the pathway for nomination to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Short Track Speed Skating. The maximum Team size can be five athletes (5) per gender; however final Team size will depend on the number of International Skating Union (ISU) quota spots earned for each individual distance and qualification in the relay events. ISU quotas are awarded to the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and are earned at the four (4) 2025-2026 ISU Short Track World Tour competitions per the ISU Qualification System (Special Olympic Qualification Classifications, "SOQC").

SECTION 2: SELECTION PROCESS DIAGRAM

The following provides a high-level overview of how athletes will be nominated to the Team:

[Diagram: A flowchart illustrating the athlete nomination process. It shows paths originating from 'Medal Contender Petitions', 'World Tour Competition Results', 'Relay Specialist', and '2026 U.S. Short Track Championships', all leading towards team nomination.]

Note: This diagram is for informational purposes only. In the event of a conflict between the diagram and any written section herein, the written sections will take precedent.

SECTION 3: ATHLETE REQUIREMENTS

1. Nationality/Passports Requirements:

   Have a valid United States passport at the time of nomination that does not expire for six months after the conclusion of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games (Games).

2. Minimum International Olympic Committee (IOC) Requirements:

   • Abide by the rules in the Olympic Charter, including nationality/citizenship requirements. For additional information regarding an athlete who is a national of two or more countries, has changed his or her nationality or acquired a new nationality, refer to the Olympic Charter (Rule 41).
   • Abide by the IOC Eligibility of Conditions Form/Conditions of Participation Form

3. Organizing Committee Olympic Games Requirements (OCOG) Requirements:

   Comply with all rules and policies implemented by the OCOG for Milano-Cortina 2026.

4. International Skating Union (ISU) Requirements:

   • Comply with all International Skating Union (ISU) Short Track Speedskating eligibility requirements found here (See Qualification): ISU Qualification
   • A skater must have been born before July 1, 2008 to be eligible to compete (see Rule 108, paragraph 2a).

5. USOPC Requirements:

   • Comply with all USOPC rules applicable to the Games (e.g., Demonstrations).
   • Complete all USOPC Games Registration requirements by the stated deadline.
   • Comply with the USOPC Delegation Terms, including the Conduct Requirements, which will be made available here: USOPC Delegation Terms
   • Comply with the USOPC Athlete Safety Policy and the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code including education and training requirements.
   • Comply with the current USOPC Background Check Policy.

6. US Speedskating (USS) Requirements:

   • Comply with the USS Athlete Agreement.
   • Comply with the USS Code of Conduct.
   • Comply with the USS SafeSport Policy.
   • Athlete must have an active USS membership.
   • Athlete does not have an active suspension from the U.S. Center for SafeSport that would make the Athlete ineligible to participate in the Games.
   • Athlete does not have an active sanction for an anti-doping rule/policy violation that would make the Athlete ineligible to participate in the Games.

SECTION 4: OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE TEAM

• Agree to be bound by and adhere to all IOC, WADA, ISU, USADA and USOPC anti-doping protocols, policies and procedures, as applicable. This includes participation in Out-of-Competition Testing and an agreement to be bound to the results management authority of the IOC, WADA, ISU, USADA, or other Anti-Doping Organization as applicable.
• Meet all health and safety protocols, to include vaccine requirements and/or testing requirements set forth by the government, local laws, USOPC, ISU and/or the OCOG of Milano-Cortina 2026.

SECTION 5: EVALUATIVE EVENTS

Event names, dates and locations of all competitions, and camps to be used as part of the nomination process:

*ISU confirmed dates and locations of each 2025-2026 World Tour competition in Communication 2717.

If changes are made to the Fall 2025 World Tours, USS will publish amended selection procedures on its website.

*Athletes on the 2025-2026 World Tour Team will be required to participate in every 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Competition for which they are eligible and are selected to attend by USS.

If an athlete is unable to participate in a 2025-2026 ISU World Tour competition for which they are selected, the athlete must submit a waiver in advance of the competition. Waivers will primarily be granted for injury or other similar incapacity or for a personal/family emergency. Requests for a waiver must be submitted in writing to the Short Track Program Director as far in advance as possible.

SECTION 6: SELECTION PROCESS

Provide a step-by-step description of the selection process including an overview of the ISU Qualification System.

6.1 TOTAL QUOTA PLACES

ISU quotas are awarded to the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and are earned at the four (4) 2025-2026 ISU Short Track World Tour competitions per the ISU Qualification System (Special Olympic Qualification Classifications, "SOQC").

A maximum of five (5) athletes per gender may be nominated to the Team if the NOC earns a Gender Relay Team quota place. If the NOC does not earn a Gender Relay Team quota place, a maximum of three (3) athletes per gender may be nominated to the Team. The final Team size will depend on earned individual event quota by gender and qualification in the relay events per the ISU Qualification System.

The 2026 U.S. Olympic Team will be nominated via the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships (see format and comprehensive description below), results from the SOQC events as well as through Medal Contender and Relay Specialist nomination, if applicable.

• The Medal Contender and Relay Specialist criteria for the 2025-2026 World Tour Team is outlined in the 2025-2026 Rules and Regulations.
• The Medal Contender and Relay Specialist criteria for the 2026 Olympic Team is outlined below.

For these procedures, the men's and women's Teams will be nominated separately.

6.2 EVALUATION EVENT QUALIFICATION PATHWAY

Team Selection information to events between September 2024 and March 2025 can be found in the 2024-2025 U.S. Short Track Rules and Regulations on the USS website.

The 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships will serve as the qualifying event for selection of the 2025-2026 World Tour Team. All information pertaining to the selection of the 2025-2026 World Tour Team can be found in Section 3 of the 2025-2026 U.S. Short Track Rules and Regulations on the USS website.

A skater must be a United States citizen and/or hold an ISU clearance certificate to be eligible to compete for a spot on the 2025-2026 World Tour Team (Short Track World Tour competitions 1-4).

The 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships (“Championships”) are scheduled to be held on September 11-14, 2025 at the Utah Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City, Utah.

a.

The 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships A Group will be limited to 20 skaters. There will be 16 athletes per gender prequalified to compete in the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships as per the 2024-2025 National Overall Classification posted on the U.S. Speedskating website.

b.

Athletes can qualify for the A Group of the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships in one of two ways:

1. Through their ranking in the 2024–2025 National Overall Classification or;
2. By participating in the Skate-In event held one day prior to the Championships.

a.

The Skate-In offers four (4) available spots:

1. The first spot will be awarded to the winner of the 500m Time Trial
2. The second spot to the winner of the 1000m Time Trial
3. The remaining two (2) spots will be awarded to the skaters with the highest combined samalog point totals from the 500m and 1000m events (ex. 500m + 1000m/2).

b.

Eligibility criteria and performance standards for the Skate-In are detailed in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games Selection Procedures Preliminary Notice which can be accessed here.

6.3 TEAM SELECTION CLASSIFICATIONS DEFINITIONS

Combined Distance Classification (CDC):

A classification made by combining the final classifications of the same two (2) distances. Skaters shall be ranked in the following order:

1. Highest total number of Final Points.
2. Combined distance ranking over both distances.
3. Best ranking achieved in one (1) of the two (2) distances.
4. Best time in any race over the two (2) distances.

Special Overall Classification:

A classification made by combining the best four (4) out of six (6) Distances included in the Overall Classification. Skaters shall be ranked in the following order:

1. Highest total number of Final Points over the best four (4) out of six (6) distances.
2. Best combined ranking over the best four (4) out of six (6) distances.
3. Best ranking in one (1) out of the best four (4) distances.
4. Highest rank in the Overall Classification.

Overall Classification:

The Overall Classification combines the combined distance classifications in the following order:

1. Highest total number of Final Points.
2. Combined ranking over all combined distance classifications.
3. Best rank achieved in one (1) of the combined distance classifications and subsequent best rankings.
4. Best time over the middle distance (1000m).

Combined Sub-Classification:

Where necessary, skaters will be ranked by combining the following Combined Distance Classifications.

Skaters will be ranked in the following order:

1. Total number of Final Points.
2. Best combined ranking over both combined distance classifications.
3. Best rank achieved in one (1) of the combined distance classifications included in the Combined Sub-Classification.
4. Best time achieved
   • For the 500m+1000m Combined Sub-Classification: Fastest time in the 500m at the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships.
   • For the 500m+1500m Combined Sub-Classification: Fastest time in the 500m at the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships.
   • For the 1000m+1500m Combined Sub-Classification: Fastest time in the 1000m at the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships.

6.4 MEDAL CONTENDER PETITION

6.4.1

Petitions will be reviewed by the Olympic Short Track Selection Task Force (OSTSTF) for any athlete who:

1. Cannot compete at any or all ISU 2025-2026 World Tour Competitions due to a verifiable illness, injury, or exceptional circumstance.
2. Meets the minimum eligibility requirements outlined in Sections 3-4 above.
3. Meets the Medal Contender eligibility criteria (a) or (b) below:
   • a. 2025 World Championships
     1. Individual Distance – Podium (Top 3) finish or
     2. Individual Distance – 2 top 6 finishes
   • b. 2025-2026 Results. An athlete must have met two (2) of the following three (3) criteria:
     1. Be ranked in the top eight (8) in the final 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Distance Classification in any individual distance.
     2. Two (2) Individual Podium (Top 3) finishes at the 2025-2026 World Tour events.

3.

Be ranked in the top 8 in the final 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Overall Classification (Crystal Globe).

4.

Submits a complete Medal Contender Petition Form to the Short Track Program Director by December 7, 2025.

• The Medal Contender Petition Form is available here.
• Medal Contender Petition Form must be signed by the athlete, his/her personal coach, and the athlete's parent or legal guardian if the athlete is a minor.

6.4.2 Illness or Injury Petitions

• If the Medal Contender Petition Form is submitted due to a verifiable illness or injury, the athlete must also provide Consent for Medical Records within the Petition Form.
• The athlete should also submit written evidence (e.g., examining physician's statement and any applicable medical records) from a qualified USS Medical Commission physician. A list of physicians on the Medical Commission can be found at USS Medical Commission Physicians.
• Consent for Medical Records allows USS, including a qualified physician selected by USS, to review the medical records and other medical documentation (if applicable) to verify the illness or injury.

6.4.2.1 Additional Criteria for Illness or Injury Petitions

• If a petition is submitted due to illness or injury, the OSTSTF reserves the right to request an independent medical examination by a physician approved by USS at USS's expense.
• USS will review all submitted evidence related to the athlete's inability to compete in any or all ISU 2025-2026 World Tour Competitions or the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships, including the athlete's prognosis for recovery if illness or injury is the cause.
• If the OSTSTF determines that the athlete meets the Medal Contender requirements and a physician deemed acceptable by USS provides the athlete with medical clearance to resume training and competition before departure for the Olympic Games, the athlete may be nominated to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team. This is contingent upon more than one (1) NOC quota being available for that gender and is also contingent on the Medal Contender Cap, if applicable.
• The OSTSTF may request additional evidence of physical readiness by mandating a Time Trial for the distance in which the Medal Contender status was earned. For the 500m event, a 500m Time Trial shall be skated and for the 1000m and 1500m events, a 1000m Time Trial shall be skated.
• Time standards will be the 2025-2026 World Tours Funding Times as outlined in the USS Short Track Rules & Regulations and the Time Trial shall be completed before departure to the Olympic Games. If the athlete does not prove readiness, USS will follow the removal and replacement process outlined in Sections 10-12 below.

6.4.3 Exceptional Circumstance Petitions

• If a petition is submitted for an exceptional circumstance, the athlete must complete and submit the Medal Contender Petition Form but the athlete does not need to provide Consent for Medical Records.
• The Medal Contender Petition Form is available here.
• USS will review the petition, explanation, and all submitted evidence that prevented the athlete from competing in any or all ISU 2025-2026 World Tour Competitions or the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships.
• If, based on its review, the OSTSTF determines that the athlete meets the Medal Contender requirements, the athlete may be named to the Olympic Team. This is contingent upon more than one (1) NOC quota being available for that gender and is also contingent on the Medal Contender Cap, if applicable.

6.4.4 Medal Contender Cap

A maximum of one (1) Medal Contender per gender may be nominated to the Team provided there are at least two (2) quotas earned in that gender. A maximum of two (2) Medal Contenders per gender may be nominated to the Team provided there are at least three (3) quotas earned in that gender.

• Should more than one (1) athlete qualify as a Medal Contender, the highest ranked athlete(s) will be nominated to the Team as a Medal Contender.

Medal Contender athletes will be ranked in the following order:

1. The skater with the highest individual distance ISU 2025-2026 World Tour Classification in a single Distance (500m, 1000m or 1500m)
2. The skater with the second highest ISU 2025-2026 World Tour Classification in a single distance (500m, 1000m or 1500m), but not the distance used in (i.) for each skater.
3. The skater with the third highest individual distance World Tour Classification in a single Distance (500m, 1000m or 1500m), but not the distances used in (i.) or (ii.) for each skater.
4. Single best place finish in the distance for which the skaters have earned Medal Contender status at World Tour 1, 2, 3, or 4.
5. Second best place finish in the distance for which the skaters have earned Medal Contender status at World Tour 1, 2, 3, or 4.
6. Third best place finish in the distance for which the skaters have earned Medal Contender status at World Cup 1, 2, 3, or 4.

6.5 RELAY SPECIALIST

If the U.S. qualifies a Relay Team, a Relay Specialist may be nominated to the Team based on the Discretionary Criteria outlined in Section 7. A maximum of one (1) Relay Specialist per gender may be nominated if the U.S. qualifies a men's, women's, and/or mixed team relay.

A Relay Specialist cannot be nominated to the Team if the US has not qualified a gender specific or mixed team relay. Additionally, meeting the Relay Specialist requirements below does not guarantee nomination to the Olympic Team.

To be considered for nomination as a Relay Specialist, an athlete must:

• Be ranked in the top eight (8) in the special classification from the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships; and
• Be a member of the 2025-2026 World Tour Team and achieved at least two (2) top six (6) finishes in the same relay event (gender or mixed team) during the 2025-2026 World Tour competitions OR be a member of the 2024-2025 World Tour Team and/or the 2025 World Championships Team and have achieved at least three (3) top four (4) finishes in the same relay event (gender or mixed team) during the 2024-25 World Tour competitions or at the 2025 World Championships.
  • To count as a top four (4) or top six (6) finish, the skater must have:
    1. Competed in the A or B Final; or
    2. Skated in the semifinal of the event where the team advanced to the A Final.

An athlete may also be considered for nomination as a Relay Specialist if they meet Section 6.5(b) requirements and have evidence from a USS approved medical doctor that they were unable to qualify for the team.

6.6 NOMINATION TO THE TEAM

Following the 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Competitions (Section 5), the ISU will allocate NOC Quotas based on the nine (9) Special Olympic Qualification Classifications (SOQC) consisting of the Women's 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m relay, the Men's 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 5000m Relay, and the mixed team relay. These SOQC will dictate the NOC Quota for each gender for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Depending on NOC Quota earned per gender and in relay events, the following four (4) pathways (Section 6.6.1 – 6.6.4) may be used to determine athlete nominations to the Team. However, USS will follow the applicable scenario in Section 6.6.5 depending on NOC Quota earned per gender. Please note that if the men and women earn different Quota, USS will follow two (2) different scenarios in Section 6.6.5 to nominate men and women to the Team.

In some cases, the number of starting positions in an event may also come into play as explained in some of the tiebreakers below.

6.6.1 MEDAL CONTENDER

A skater with an approved Medal Contender Petition will be nominated to the Team if there is more than one (1) NOC Quota available for that gender and if permitted per the Medal Contender Cap (see Section 6.4.4). The nomination of a Medal Contender to the Team in one (1) or more individual distances will result in a reduction of available starting positions in those same distances.

6.6.2 WORLD TOUR RESULTS

Skaters who competed in any individual distance (500m, 1000m, or 1500m) at the 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Competitions and who achieved either one (1) of the following performance criteria (point a or b) will be nominated to the Olympic Team unless there are more skaters achieving the performance criteria than there are available Quota spots and after consideration of any Medal Contender or Relay Specialist nominations (if applicable).

• Medalist in any individual distance at the 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Competitions.
• Two (2) top twenty (20) finishes in any individual distance at the 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Competitions.

World Tour results from distances in which US Speedskating has zero (0) starting positions are excluded when applying the tiebreaking procedure below. Once nominations to the Team reduce the number of available start positions in a specific distance to zero (0), results from that same distance are excluded from the tiebreaker procedure for any remaining nominations to the Team.

A) WORLD TOUR TIEBREAKERS

If there are more skaters achieving the performance criteria than there are available quota spots, skaters will be ranked according to the tiebreakers listed below.

• Number of top 3 individual distance classification placements at the 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Competitions ranked according to best placement, second best placement, etc.
• Number of top 6 individual distance classification placements at the 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Competitions ranked according to best placement, second best placement, etc.
• Number of top 12 individual distance classification placements at the 2025-2026 ISU World Tour Competitions ranked according to best placement, second best placement, etc.
• Best World Tour Distance Classification in any individual distance as of December 1, 2025.
• Second (2nd) best World Tour Distance Classification in any individual distance as of December 1, 2025.
• Special Overall Classification from 2026 U.S. Short Track Championships.

The number of start positions in each distance may impact the application of the tiebreaker procedure above. Specific exceptions are listed below under each scenario in Section 6.6.5.

6.6.3 RELAY SPECIALIST

If the U.S. qualifies a gender-specific (men's or women's) or mixed team relay, USS may nominate a Relay Specialist to the Olympic Team. An athlete who meets the requirements in Section 6.5 may be nominated as a Relay Specialist based on the Discretionary Criteria outlined in Section 7. If the U.S. qualifies a relay, the order in which a Relay Specialist may be nominated to the Team will be outlined in the applicable scenario in Section 6.6.5.

6.6.4 2026 SHORT TRACK U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS

Any remaining position(s) will be filled based on the results from the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships and will depend on how many distances U.S. Speedskating has a starting position in. Exceptions for each scenario are outlined below.

6.6.5 ATHLETE NOMINATION SCENARIOS BASED PRIMARILY ON NUMBER OF NOC QUOTAS PER GENDER

1) SCENARIO #1: One (1) NOC Quota Earned

NOC Quota earned → 1 skater

(Starting positions: A maximum of one (1) skater per individual distance)

Skater will be nominated to the Olympic Team in the following priority order until the quota is filled.

Please note that skaters with approved Medal Contender Petitions and Relay Specialists are not eligible for nomination if USS only qualifies one (1) Quota.

1. One (1) skater will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2).
2. If no (0) skater is nominated from World Tour Results, one (1) skater will be nominated based on the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships (Section 6.6.4).
   • If U.S. Speedskating has a starting position in every individual distance, the winner of each Combined Distance Classification may be nominated to the Team. If more than one (1) skater is identified, ties are broken as follows:
     1. Highest ranked skater in the Special Overall Classification.
     2. Skater with the highest two (2) Combined Distance Classification results
     3. Highest ranked skater in the Overall Classification.
   • If U.S. Speedskating has zero (0) starting positions in any one (1) individual distance, the Combined Sub-Classification from those distances in which U.S. Speedskating has earned a starting position will be used instead of the Special Overall Classification.
   • If U.S. Speedskating has one (1) starting position in only one (1) individual distance, the winner of that Combined Distance Classification in which U.S. Speedskating has earned a starting position will be selected to the Olympic Team.

2) SCENARIO #2: Two (2) NOC Quota Earned

NOC Quotas earned → 2 skaters

(Starting positions: A maximum of two (2) skaters per individual distance)

Skaters will be nominated to the Olympic Team in the following priority order within the applicable scenario until all quotas are filled.

A) If USS nominates a Medal Contender

1. Up to one (1) skater with an approved Medal Contender Petition will be nominated to the Team (Section 6.6.1).
2. The second skater will be nominated to the Team following the process outlined in Scenario #1 above.

B) If USS does not nominate a Medal Contender

1. Up to one (1) skater will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2).
   • If a skater's nomination to the Team is based on performance criteria in a distance for which US Speedskating has earned only one (1) starting position, results from that same distance are not included when applying the tiebreaking procedure under Section 6.6.2 to nominate other skater(s) to the Team.
2. If USS qualifies a mixed team relay, one (1) Relay Specialist per gender (Section 6.6.3) may be nominated to the Team via Discretionary Criteria in Section 7.
3. If a position remains, the skater(s) will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2).
4. If a position remains, the skater(s) will be nominated in priority order below based on the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships (Section 6.6.4)
   • Subject to 4(c) below, the winner of each Combined Distance Classification may be nominated to the Team.
     • If more than one (1) skater is identified, skaters will be ranked according to the tiebreakers listed below.
       1. Highest ranked skater in the Special Overall Classification.
       2. Skater with the highest two (2) Combined Distance Classification results
       3. Highest ranked skater in the Overall Classification.
   • If a position remains, subject to 4(c) below, the second (2nd) ranked skater in each Combined Distance Classification may be nominated to the Team.
     • If more than one (1) skater is identified, skaters will be ranked according to the tiebreakers listed below.
       1. Highest ranked skater in the Special Overall Classification.
       2. Skater with the highest two (2) Combined Distance Classification results
       3. Highest ranked skater in the Overall Classification.
   • If U.S. Speedskating has zero (0) starting positions in any one (1) individual distance OR if the first skater's nomination under Section 6.6.2 to the Team is based on performance criteria in a distance for which US Speedskating has earned only one (1) starting position, results from that same distance at the 2026 US Short Track Championships are not included when nominating the second (2nd) skater to the Team.

3) SCENARIO #3: Three (3) NOC Quota Earned

NOC Quotas earned → 3 skaters

(Starting positions: A maximum of three (3) skaters per individual distance)

Skaters will be nominated to the Olympic Team in the following priority order within the applicable scenario until all quotas are filled.

A) If USS nominates a Medal Contender

1. If two (2) skaters with an approved Medal Contender Petition are nominated to the Team (Section 6.6.1), the remaining one (1) skater will be nominated to the Team following the process outlined in Scenario #1 above.
2. If one (1) skater with an approved Medal Contender Petition is nominated to the Team (Section 6.6.1), the remaining two (2) skaters will be nominated to the Team following the process outlined in Scenario #2(B) above.

B) If USS does not nominate a Medal Contender

1. Up to two (2) skaters will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2).
   • If a skater's nomination to the Team is based on performance criteria in a distance for which US Speedskating has earned only one (1) starting position, results from that same distance are not included when applying the tiebreaking procedure under Section 6.6.2 to nominate other skater(s) to the Team.
2. If USS qualifies a mixed team relay, one (1) Relay Specialist per gender (Section 6.6.3) may be nominated to the Team via Discretionary Criteria in Section 7.
3. If a position remains, the skater(s) will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2).
4. If a position remains, the skater(s) will be nominated in priority order below based on the 2026 Short Track U.S. Championships (Section 6.6.4)
   • Subject to 4(c) below, the winner of each Combined Distance Classification may be nominated to the Team.
     • If more than one (1) skater is identified, skaters will be ranked according to the tiebreakers listed below.
       1. Highest ranked skater in the Special Overall Classification.
       2. Skater with the highest two (2) Combined Distance Classification results.
       3. Highest ranked skater in the Overall Classification.
   • If a position remains, subject to 4(c) below, the second (2nd) ranked skater in each Combined Distance Classification may be nominated to the Team.
     • If more than one (1) skater is identified, skaters will be ranked according to the tiebreakers listed below.
       1. Highest ranked skater in the Special Overall Classification.
       2. Skater with the highest two (2) Combined Distance Classification results.
       3. Highest ranked skater in the Overall Classification.
   • If U.S. Speedskating has zero (0) starting positions in any one (1) individual distance OR if the first skater's nomination under Section 6.6.2 to the Team is based on performance criteria in a distance for which US Speedskating has earned only one (1) starting position, results from that same distance at the 2026 US Short Track Championships are not included when nominating the remaining skater(s) to the Team.

4) SCENARIO #4: Four (4) NOC Quota Earned

NOC Quotas earned → 4 skaters

(Starting positions: A maximum of three (3) skaters per individual distance, gender relay qualified)

Skaters will be nominated to the Olympic Team in the following priority order until all quotas are filled.

1. Up to two (2) skaters with an approved Medal Contender Petition will be nominated to the Team (Section 6.6.1), if applicable.
2. Additional skaters will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2) until three (3) skaters have been nominated through steps 1 and 2.
3. If USS qualifies a gender specific or mixed team relay, one (1) Relay Specialist per gender may be nominated to the Team via Discretionary Criteria in Section 7.
4. If positions remain, skater(s) will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2).
5. If positions remain, the next highest ranked skater from the 2026 US Short Track Championships 500-1000m Combined Sub-Classification will be nominated.

5) SCENARIO #5: Five (5) NOC Quota Earned

NOC Quotas earned → 5 skaters

(Starting positions: A maximum of three (3) skaters per individual distance, gender relay qualified)

Skaters will be nominated to the Olympic Team in the following priority order until all quotas are filled.

1. Up to two (2) skaters with an approved Medal Contender Petition will be nominated to the Team (Section 6.6.1), if applicable.
2. Additional skaters will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2) until four (4) skaters have been nominated through steps 1 and 2.
3. If USS qualifies a gender specific or mixed team relay, one (1) Relay Specialist per gender may be nominated to the Team via Discretionary Criteria in Section 7.
4. If positions remain, skater(s) will be nominated to the Team based on World Tour Results (Section 6.6.2).
5. If a position remains, the next highest ranked skater from the 2026 US Short Track Championships 500-1000m Combined Sub-Classification will be nominated.

6) SCENARIO #6: Allocation of Unused Quota

In the event USS is subsequently assigned NOC Quotas in accordance with the ISU process for allocation of unused quota places, the Selection Process for the newly assigned NOC Quota will be applied to determine which skater is nominated for the extra quota. USS will use the applicable scenario in Section 6.6.5 based on the new quota allocated to nominate the additional skater(s).

• Athletes already nominated to the Team are protected and their nomination to the Team cannot be revoked through this process.

6.7 TEAM RELAY DECISIONS

A. Gender Specific Relay

The U.S Olympic Team may have only four (4) skaters by gender nominated to the Olympic Team, in which case all skaters will participate in the 3000m or 5000m relay event.

In the event that the U.S Olympic Team has qualified in the 3000m or the 5000m relay event(s) and has five (5) skaters in that gender named to the Olympic Team, the Short Track Olympic Team Leader and the Short Track Olympic Team Coaches will meet at the Olympic Games and make an on-site assessment of each athlete's performance and potential for medal success to determine which four (4) skaters will compete in each round of competition. All U.S. Olympic Team members will be considered for the Team Relay event. In addition, a different combination of skaters may be selected to skate each Team Relay in each round of competition and may be determined the day of the race.

B. Mixed Team Relay

If the U.S Team qualifies for the mixed team relay event, the Short Track Olympic Team Leader and the Short Track Olympic Team Coaches will meet at the Olympic Games and make an on-site assessment of each athlete's performance and potential for medal success to determine which two (2) skaters per gender will compete in each round of competition. As per ISU rule 281, a maximum of three (3) women and three (3) men may be entered as members of the mixed team relay and can participate in the various rounds. All skaters nominated to the U.S. Olympic Team will be considered for the mixed team relay event. A different combination of skaters may be selected to skate each round of competition and may be determined the day of the race.

The Short Track Olympic Team Leader and the Short Track Olympic Team Coaches will consider several factors -- listed in no particular order -- when selecting relay participants for each round of racing. These factors include international relay experience, team composition, team chemistry and cohesion, top speed capabilities, speed endurance, relay exchange abilities, and competition scheduling.

6.8 NOMINATION OF SUBSTITUTES TO THE OLYMPIC TEAM:

Skaters identified as substitutes (alternates) for nomination to the Team will be required to participate in mandatory training as determined by USS. This includes training in Salt Lake City leading up to the Games unless otherwise approved by USS (see Section 8). All substitutes will be notified of the mandatory training requirements following the completion of the initial Team nomination process.

Should a vacancy occur, nomination of replacement athletes will follow the process outlined in Section 11 and Section 12.

In the event of a conflict between this overview and the ISU Qualification System, the ISU Qualification System will take precedent. For more details, please refer to the ISU Qualification System directly here (see Qualification): ISU Qualification System

SECTION 7: DISCRETIONARY CRITERIA TO NOMINATE ATHLETES FOR THE TEAM

There are two (2) situations in which discretionary selection may be used:

• To nominate an athlete with an approved Medal Contender Petition (see Section 6.4)
• To nominate a Relay Specialist (see Section 6.5)

7.1 RATIONALE FOR UTILIZING DISCRETIONARY SELECTION:

1. Using discretion to nominate an athlete with an approved Medal Contender Petition will allow USS to nominate athletes who have the best chance to win the maximum number of medals at the Games.
2. The gender specific and mixed team relays are team events and discretion may be used to nominate an athlete who provides USS with the most competitive relay team.
   • One (1) Relay Specialist per gender may be nominated to the Team if USS qualifies a gender specific or mixed team relay.

7.2 DEFINE THE DISCRETIONARY CRITERIA TO BE USED:

• A skater with an approved Medal Contender Petition may be nominated to the Team following the process outlined in Section 6.4. Please see the scenarios in Section 6.6.5 for additional information.
• To be considered for nomination as a Relay Specialist, the skater must meet the requirements outlined in Section 6.5. Please see the scenarios in Section 6.6.5 for additional information.

For skaters who meet the requirements in Section 6.5, the OSTSTF will consider the factors below (which are not listed in priority order) to determine if a Relay Specialist should be nominated to the Team.

• International relay experience
• Team composition
• Team chemistry and cohesion
• Top speed capabilities
• Speed endurance
• Relay exchange abilities
• Recommendations from the Olympic Games Coaching Staff

7.3 SELECTION COMMITTEE

The committee that will be responsible for making discretionary selections or other decisions and recommendations directly impacting athletes in the selection process.

The Olympic Short Track Selection Task Force (OSTSTF) is comprised of the following members:

• USS Executive Director
• USS Short Track Program Director
• USS High Performance Director
• USS 10 Year Athlete Representative
• USS Athlete Representative on the Short Track Task Force

Should any USS staff position(s) be vacant at the time of assembly of the OSTSTF, the vacant position may be filled by the most senior ranking USS staff member without a conflict of interest. If the Athlete Representative is unavailable to serve, their position will be filled by the AAC Alternate, USS BOD Athlete Representative or another USS Task Force Athlete Representative designated by the USS Athletes' Advisory Council.

SECTION 8: MANDATORY TRAINING AND/OR COMPETITION

Specify the location, schedule, and duration of all mandatory training and/or competition for athletes who are nominated to the Team.

If U.S. Speedskating has qualified a gender specific or mixed team relay event, the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team and identified substitutes will be required to be present in Salt Lake City, Utah from the Date of Nomination until the Team departs to prepare for the Games. This will be confirmed once the earned ISU Quotas have been released per the SOQC. A partial stipend will be provided to help assist with potential costs for athletes that may not reside in Salt Lake City.

While waivers for mandatory training will not be unreasonably withheld, all athletes nominated to the Team should arrange for appropriate time off from school, work, or other obligations in advance. Waivers will primarily be granted for injury or other similar incapacity or for a personal/family emergency. Requests for a waiver must be submitted in writing to the Short Track Program Director as far in advance as possible.

SECTION 9: DATE OF TEAM NOMINATION

USS will nominate the Team, including any replacements/alternates to the USOPC on or before December 12, 2025.

SECTION 10: REMOVAL OF ATHLETES FROM THE TEAM

10.1 USS JURISDICTION

USS has jurisdiction over athlete nominees until athlete entries have been submitted by the USOPC to the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games.

An athlete who is nominated to the Team by USS may be removed for any of the following reasons, as determined by USS:

• i. Voluntary withdrawal. Athlete submits a written letter to the USS Executive Director requesting to voluntarily withdraw from the Team.
• ii. Injury or illness. A physician (or medical staff) approved by USS provides certification that the Athlete has a debilitating condition. If Athlete refuses to provide verification of their illness or injury by a physician (or medical staff), their injury will be assumed to be debilitating, and they may be removed from the Team.
• iii. Failure to participate. Athlete does not participate in all Mandatory Training and/or Competition as defined in these procedures.
• iv. Code of Conduct Violation. Athlete violates the USS Code of Conduct
• v. Athlete Agreement. Athlete violates a term in their signed USS Athlete Agreement.
• vi. Non-compliance. Athlete does not meet the athlete eligibility requirements listed in Section 3 and Section 4 of these selection procedures.

An Athlete may be removed as a nominee to the Team or from the Team if found to have violated IOC, WADA, ISU, USADA and/or USOPC anti-doping protocol, policies and procedures, the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code, the USOPC Athlete Safety Policy and USS SafeSport policies, as applicable.

10.2 USOPC JURISDICTION

• Once Athlete entries have been submitted by the USOPC to the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games, the USOPC has jurisdiction over the Team.
• USOPC's Delegation Conduct Requirements apply in addition to the USS Code of Conduct. The Delegation Conduct Requirements in the USOPC Games Delegation Terms are specific to each Games and are made available during the Games registration process.
• The USOPC's Grievance Procedures and Hearing Process are found within the USOPC Dispute Resolution Policy and Hearing Procedures. See USOPC Dispute Resolution for more information.

SECTION 11: SELECTION PROCESS IF ATHLETE VACANCY OCCURS PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES BY NAME TO THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES

11.1

Should a vacancy occur prior to submission of Entries by Name by the USOPC to the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games, the OSTSTF may nominate replacement skater(s) from the same qualifying events as used to nominate the original Team member(s). OSTSTF will follow the applicable scenario in Section 6.6.5 to nominate a replacement athlete to the Team.

11.2

All replacement athletes must meet all requirements listed in Sections 3-4.

SECTION 12: SELECTION PROCESS IF ATHLETE VACANCY OCCURS AFTER SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES BY NAME TO THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES

12.1

Should a vacancy occur after submission of Entries by Name by the USOPC to the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games, if allowed, the same process outlined in Section 11.1. will be used provided USS is still authorized to add a replacement athlete to the Team, in accordance with the ISU Qualification System, and any applicable IOC and/or OCOG rules.

12.2

Once U.S. Speedskating is no longer allowed to add a replacement athlete to the Olympic Team per the Late Athlete Replacement policy, if a skater is unable to compete in an individual distance, the starting position will be reassigned from within the Team at the Games based on the Head Coach's recommendation and approved by the Team Leader and Executive Director. Only skaters who already qualified for the Olympic Team can be used as replacement athletes in this instance.

12.3

All replacement athletes must meet all requirements listed in Sections 3-4.

SECTION 13: RIGHT TO A HEARING

An athlete who is removed from the Team has the right to a hearing per the USS complaint procedures located in the USS Amended and Restated Bylaws, Article 14 (USS Bylaws) and the USOPC Bylaws, Section 9 (USOPC Bylaws).

SECTION 14: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

In addition to the USOPC Delegation Conduct Requirements, the following documents are required to be signed by an athlete as a condition of nomination to the 2026 Olympic Games:

• USS Code of Conduct.
• USS Athlete Agreement

SECTION 15: DISCLAIMERS

These procedures are based on IOC and ISU rules and regulations as presently known and understood. Any change in the selection procedures caused by a change in IOC and/or ISU rules and regulations will be distributed to the affected athletes immediately. The selection criteria are based on the latest information available to USS.

However, the selection criteria are always subject to unforeseen, intervening circumstances, and realistically may not have accounted for every possible contingency. If any force of nature, pandemic, or force majeure, should cause the alteration or cancellation of any of the selection events listed in this document, these selection procedures may require revisions, pursuant to their resubmission to the USOPC.

SECTION 16: CONFLICT OF INTEREST

All members of the Selection Committee (Section 7.3) and all individuals who developed these selection procedures (Section 21) must comply with USS's Conflict of Interest Policy, to include completing and submitting a disclosure form consistent with USS Conflict of Interest Policy before convening the committee.

A conflict of interest exists when a personal, family, financial, professional, club, team or business relationship or interferes with, or maybe perceived to interfere with a committee member's ability to be impartial and participate in the selection process in a fair and impartial manner. Any member of the Selection Committee who has an actual, possible, or perceived conflict of interest must disclose it to USS' Ethics Committee prior to the start of the selection process and may be required to recuse themself from the Selection Committee discussions and/or voting.

If a conflict exists, USS' Ethics Committee shall review the conflict and determine the committee member's level of involvement (e.g., whether that committee member must recuse themself from participating in discussions and/or voting).

If a selection committee member or an affected athlete or their representative (e.g., coach), disagrees with the proposed resolution), the conflict will be escalated to USS' Ethics Committee. During its review, USS' Ethics Committee may ask a Selection Committee member or an affected person for more information at its discretion. Such as, if a Selection Committee member is required to recuse themself from voting, USS' Ethics Committee may still determine that a Selection Committee member who has relevant and necessary information related to athlete performance, for example a national team coach or high performance director, may, if requested by the Selection Committee, provide that information to the Selection Committee if the information is provided in a fair and unbiased manner and if the Selection Committee member with the conflict of interest does not vote toward the final decision. The Selection Committee member must not otherwise influence other members of the Selection Committee in the selection process.

Additionally, any person with a good faith belief that a committee member has a conflict of interest may report the alleged conflict of interest to USS' Ethics Committee. Reports may also be made anonymously through the USOPC's Integrity Portal. No committee member shall retaliate in any way against a person who, in good faith, reports an alleged conflict of interest. In addition, the USOPC maintains a strict no retaliation policy that prohibits any employee, contractor, agent, volunteer, or member of the USOPC to take or threaten to take any action against an athlete for reporting information to or seeking assistance from the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.

Any recused individual shall be replaced in accordance with USS Selection Committee appointment process.

SECTION 17: QUESTIONS REGARDING ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURES

Athletes may contact the individuals listed below for information about these selection procedures.

Name: Andréa Do-Duc
Position: Short Track Program Director
Email: adoduc@usspeedskating.org

Name: William Gebauer
Position: Team USA Athletes' Commission Representative
Email: williamgebauer4444@gmail.com

ATHLETE OMBUDS

The Team USA Athlete Ombuds serves as a safe, independent, confidential place for Team USA Athletes to seek advice about any sport-related rule, policy, or process; how to navigate raising or responding to concerns; or access legal and mental health resources.

Team USA Athletes may contact the Athlete Ombuds:

PHONE: (719) 866-5000
EMAIL: ombudsman@usathlete.org
WEBSITE: usathlete.org

SECTION 18: GRIEVANCES

The USS Grievance Procedures can be found here.

Section 9 of the USOPC Bylaws provides a process for an athlete to file a complaint with the USOPC against an NGB alleging that he or she has been denied, or threatened to be denied, with the opportunity to participate in a Protected Competition, as defined in the USOPC bylaws. Additional information on how to file a complaint can be found here: USOPC Grievance Process

SECTION 19: NON-RETALIATION

The USOPC and USS have zero tolerance for retaliation against people who make good faith reports of potential ethical, policy, or legal violations, or who cooperate with investigations of those reports. That means no USOPC or USS staff, Board or Committee member, or volunteer may threaten, harass, discriminate against, or take any negative employment or related action (e.g., discharge, demotion, suspension, negative review) on that basis.

• Individuals may report concerns to USS by following the USS Whistleblower Policy located here (see Article 15 in the US Speedskating Amended and Restated Bylaws).
• Individuals may report concerns to the USOPC confidentially, or anonymously, online using the USOPC Integrity Portal or individuals may call the USOPC Integrity Hotline at 1-877-404-9935.
• Additional information can be found in the USOPC's Speak Up Policy.

SECTION 20: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

USS will retain the approved Selection Procedures and all supporting documents, including scouting or evaluation forms, etc., and data from the selection process per the USS Records Retention Policy or for six months past the date of the Closing Ceremony of the Games, whichever is longer.

SECTION 21: DEVELOPMENT, APPROVAL & CERTIFICATION OF SELECTION PROCEDURES

The following committee of individuals developed these selection procedures.

The following individual approved these selection procedures and through their signature, certifies that the procedures comply with the standards and criteria set by the ISU. The following individual further certifies that the information provided herein regarding Athlete Selection Procedures represents the method approved by USS and that these selection procedures will be posted on the USS website.

The following individual affirms that they read and understand the selection procedures.

* If the Team USA Athletes' Commission Representatives have delegated authority to another 10 Year Athlete Representative to sign the Selection Procedures, attach a letter from the Team USA AC Representative indicating the reason they have delegated authority.

* Signature by the Athlete Representative constitutes that they have read and understand the Selection Procedures. If the Athlete Representative reads and does not agree with the Athlete Selection Procedures being submitted by the NGB, they may submit those reasons in writing to their USOPC Sport Performance Team.

* If, for some reason, a sport does not have an elected Team USA AC Representative, the NGB must designate a 10 Year Athlete from that sport to review and sign the Selection Procedures.

Revision History

APPENDIX A – COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS

• AAC – Athletes' Advisory Council
• AC – Athletes' Commission
• Act or TSOASA – Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act
• APC – Americas Paralympic Committee
• CAS – Court of Arbitration for Sport
• Center or CSS – U.S. Center for SafeSport
• CF - Continental Federation
• IMS – Internally Managed Sport (sport managed by the USOPC)
• IOC – International Olympic Committee
• IPC – International Paralympic Committee
• IF - International Federation
• LOC – Local Organizing Committee
• NGB - National Governing Body
• NOC – National Olympic Committee
• NPC – National Paralympic Committee
• OCOG – Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games. The OCOG refers to the Organizing Committee of the Paralympic Games as well.
• PAG– Pan American Games
• Panam Sports or PASO– Pan American Sports Organization
• PPAG– Parapan American Games
• PSO– Paralympic Sport Organization
• TEAM USA AC – Team USA Athletes' Commission (formerly USOPC AAC)
• USADA– United States Anti-Doping Agency
• WADA– World Anti-Doping Agency

APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY

• Contingency means a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
• Delegation Event means the Olympic Games, the Olympic Winter Games, the Paralympic Games, the Paralympic Winter Games, the Pan American Games, and the Parapan American Games.
• Force Majeure means an event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled (e.g., hurricane, tornado, etc.).
• Grievance Procedures means the process that enables an athlete to file a complaint with the NGB or USOPC.
• Jurisdiction means the power or authority to make decisions and judgments.
• Nominated means an athlete, coach or staff member whose name has been submitted to the USOPC by an NGB for participation in a Delegation Event.
• Protected Competition means a Delegation Event or a Qualifying Competition.
• Qualifying Competition means either of the following:
  • i. NGB Qualifying Competition: Any competition or activity organized or approved by the NGB where the athlete's performance or results are considered in the published selection criteria to represent the United States in a Delegation Event.
  • ii. International Qualifying Competition: Any international sport competition where (i) athletes represent the United States against athletes representing other nations, (ii) the NGB officially designates entrants, as required by the competition organizers, and (iii) athlete results or performance are included in the published criteria to qualify, or be selected, to represent the United States in a Delegation Event.
• Selected means an athlete, coach or staff member whose name has been submitted by the USOPC to the OCOG at the final submission date, as determined by the OCOG.

APPENDIX C – ATHLETE RESOURCES

ATHLETE LEGAL AID

The purpose of the Athlete Legal Aid Program is to assist elite athletes without sufficient financial means to seek aid for fees and costs associated with legal representation or the proceeding itself with respect to claims before an anti-doping organization, NGB, IF, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USOPC, IOC/IPC, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), or other sport-related tribunal within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

WEBSITE: Athlete Legal Aid Program

ATHLETE OMBUDS

The Team USA Athlete Ombuds serves as a safe, independent, confidential place for Team USA Athletes to seek advice about any sport-related rule, policy, or process; how to navigate raising or responding to concerns; or access legal and mental health resources.

Team USA Athletes may contact the Athlete Ombuds:

PHONE: (719) 866-5000
EMAIL: ombudsman@usathlete.org
WEBSITE: usathlete.org

SAFESPORT HELPLINE

The SafeSport Helpline provides crisis intervention, referrals, and emotional support specifically designed for athletes, staff, and other SafeSport participants affected by sexual violence. Through this service, support specialists provide live, confidential, one-on-one support that is available 24/7. Individuals can call the Helpline at 866-200-0796 or visit safesporthelpline.org.

TEAM USA ATHLETES' COMMISSION (Team USA AC) (Formerly Athletes' Advisory Council)

The Team USA AC is responsible for broadening communication between the USOPC and active athletes and serves as a source of input and advice to the USOPC Board of Directors.

WEBSITE: Team USA Athletes' Commission

TEAM USA ATHLETE SERVICES

The USOPC helps support Team USA athletes from the start of their career to their retirement and beyond through direct funds, programs and services that help athletes excel in their day-to-day lives, on and off the field of play.

WEBSITE: Team USA Athlete Services

TEAM USA MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

For those in need of mental health support, USOPC Psychological Services is available at psychservices@usopc.org, or you can connect with a licensed mental health provider 24/7 through the USOPC Psychological Services Support Line at 719-866-2255. You can also visit TeamUSA.org/psychservices for information about all available resources or complete our referral link at: go.teamusa.org/referrals to get connected.

USOPC DISPUTE RESOLUTION UNIT (DRU)

For Protected Competitions, USOPC's DRU oversees the administration of dispute resolution services to athletes and other members of NGBs for grievances under the USOPC's jurisdiction to ensure the complaints are heard in a timely and fair manner. For more information about this process, please visit the dispute resolution website.

USOPC ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE

USOPC's Ethics and Compliance team is responsible for ensuring the USOPC and NGBs comply with the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, their own bylaws and policies, and any other applicable laws or regulations. Any individual may report concerns confidentially, or anonymously, online using the USOPC Integrity Portal or individuals may call the USOPC Integrity Hotline at 1-877-404-9935 to report their concern over the phone.

USOPC SECURITY AND ATHLETE SAFETY REPORTING PORTAL

Athletes can report an incident of emotional, physical, or sexual misconduct, a violation of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Polices (MAAPP) or a general security incident or concern through the Safety Reporting Portal. Athletes may also report to the USOPC over the phone at 719-866-3869.