During the ISU World Cup Short Track in Montreal on Sunday 29 October 2023 the Final A race of the Women’s 3000 meters Relay witnessed a dramatic turn of events. Skaters from all four competing teams experienced falls in the race's final stages, which extends over 27 laps (each lap is normally concluded in about 9 seconds). For all teams the relay exchanges therefore had to be made in an exceptional manner, and this caused a chaotic situation. Regrettably, the results of the race were announced, and the victory ceremony conducted, based on incorrect registrations of the number of laps properly completed by each team, as the basis for their finishing times.
In response to a protest submitted by the Dutch team leader, in accordance with ISU procedural requirements, ISU Officials performed a full review of all video footage from the race, as well as all relevant data recorded by the timekeeping supplier. This revealed that the announced finishing time of the Korean team, declaring the team as the winner of the race, in fact was their split time after 26 laps. The Referee has corrected the results accordingly, with the consequence that Team Netherlands is declared winner of the Women’s 3000m Relay Final A race, with Team Korea in second place.
The ISU sincerely regrets and apologizes for the faults committed, particularly to the teams affected by the mistake. All procedures have been thoroughly reviewed to ensure that this kind of complex situations will be dealt with correctly in the future.
We are fully committed to enhancing the integrity of our events and ensuring accurate results for the athletes, teams, and spectators.