The Rules

- Intentionally pushing, obstructing or colliding with another racer calls for the offender's disqualification. Improperly crossing the course (cross-tracking) is also prohibited. - Lead skater has the right of way and the passing skater must avoid body contact.Skaters also are disqualified for changing lanes or altering their course at the finish. - Competitors are required to skate in a straight line from the end of the corner to the finish line. Veering inside or outside to maintain the lead is grounds for disqualification.

At Salt Lake

The first one, "cross-tracking" was violated by South Korea's Kim Dong-Sung in the men's 1500 m race. He crossed from his wider path into Apolo's tighter path right before a turn and was disqualified from the race.  Even though Apolo crossed the finish line second, he was awarded the gold medal.   The second one was unfortunately enforced against Apolo himself in the second semifinal of the men's 500 m.  As Apolo was making his move to take the second qualifying spot, the outside of his skate caught the Japanese skater who was sent flying towards the padded sideboards. Needless to say, Apolo was soon after disqualified. "I tried to set up the Japanese skater on the inside,” he said. “I tried to hold the track and ran out of room.”