Relay (5,000 metres), Men

Since this event’s inaugural competition in 1992, Canada and South Korea have dominated it. Both had won two titles each, adding two silvers (Canada) and one silver (Korea). Both teams were again expected to medal in Vancouver. But both Canada and South Korea had been absent from the podium at the most recent World Championships (Canada didn’t even enter), leaving the title to the United States. At the 2009 World Team Championships, South Korea and Canada had placed 1-2, showing that they were the two nations to beat in men’s short track relay. Both teams made their way through the semi-finals with little trouble. The South Koreans comfortably beat the United States and France (which proceeded after interference from the Italians), while the Canadians placed second behind China, but well before the third team.

The final, even more crowded than usual with five teams, was a close one. Although the French were unable to keep up with the pace, the other four teams remained together. Canada had grabbed the lead thanks to Charles Hamelin, who had won a gold in the 500 m earlier on the evening. On the final stint, François-Louis Tremblay - who had been third in that same 500 m final - opened up a small gap with the Chinese, enough to grab the gold medal for the host nation. Behind Tremblay, Han Jialiang of China seemed to secure the silver until he stumbled in the final metres, leaving South Korea to take the silver ahead of the United States. In the latter team, Apolo Anton Ohno grabbed his eight Olympic medal, a record for short track speed skaters.