The International Skating Union (ISU) was informed by US Speedskating and the Utah Olympic Oval that due to supply-chain related delays, the new padding system compliant with ISU Communication 2626 will not arrive in time for the start of the ISU Short Track World Tour #2 event (November 1-3, 2024) or the ISU Four Continents Short Track Championships (November 8-9, 2024), both events due to take place in Salt Lake City (USA). 

The well-being and safety of athletes remains ISU’s foremost concern. Therefore, further to a careful consultation process with the participating teams, it was concluded that the safest course of action would be to relocate the ISU Short Track World Tour #2 event to Montreal (CAN), where all appropriate safety measures and equipment is already in place.  

The ISU confirms that the ISU Four Continents Short Track Championships will no longer take place in Salt Lake City as originally scheduled, and is actively exploring options to reschedule the event for a later date within 2024/25 season.

The ISU acknowledges that this difficult decision may cause disappointment for fans in Salt Lake City, and sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused. 

The ISU extends its gratitude to Speed Skating Canada, Patinage de Vitesse Québec and the City of Montreal for their immediate support and swift action in facilitating this transition. The ISU Short Track World Tour #2 event will be held on the same dates as initially scheduled (November 1-3, 2024), ensuring no disruption to the athletes’ competitive calendar. The ISU remains steadfast in its commitment to providing the highest standards of athlete safety, and will continue to vigilantly monitor compliance with all required safety requirements throughout the season to ensure fair and safe competitions.

Note: In December 2020, the ISU officially informed Members via ISU Communication 2365 that all padding systems used at ISU events must be fully compliant by April 2023. In April 2024, ISU Members were further reminded of this requirement through ISU Communication 2626.