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Duke Trophy celebrates 65 years of interstate rivalry

 

Duke Trophy celebrates 65 years of interstate rivalry

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AOC
Duke Trophy celebrates 65 years of interstate rivalry
Since its inception in 1952, short track speed skating’s Duke Trophy has been one of the most anticipated events on the sport’s calendar, and this weekend's 65th installment will be no different.

SHORT TRACK SKATING: Since its inception in 1952, short track speed skating’s Duke Trophy has been one of the most anticipated events on the sport’s calendar, and this weekend's 65th installment will be no different.

The competition sees Australia’s elite and experienced skaters join forces with the sports younger developing athletes, all vying to win the gold and glory for their state.

The event sees skaters compete in teams of up to 20 athletes, all racing as part of their state of origin in five divisions made up of Juniors (under 11), Juniors (12-14), Juniors (15-18), Seniors (19-29) and Masters (30 and over).

Each age division races over a number of different distances, accruing points that add to their state’s overall total.

The exciting competition runs heats, semis and finals for the three shorter distances, with all-in Super Finals for the longest distance and relays. Whilst it is a team event, there are recognitions for individual skaters from other awards such as the best and fairest and also the most improved.

With just over six months until the next Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, short track speed skating is once again on the nation’s radar and some young skaters will be keen to impress.

Whilst a few high performance athletes will opt to skip the event to continue training at their international bases in South Korea and Salt Lake City, Olympic hopefuls Josh Kah and brothers Denali and Keanu Blunden will all be in action.

The Duke Trophy competition was first run in 1952, when Len Duke, the secretary/treasurer of the AAIRC (Australian Amateur Ice Racing Council) decided that there should be a separate event for interstate racing.

Duke donated the trophy and the event was born, originally known as The Australian Amateur Ice Racing Council Trophy for Interstate Racing.

Prior to this, there had been interstate short track speed skating racing between NSW and Victoria for many years, but there had been no record of the winning teams in these competitions.

In 1952 a bike accident left Duke with damaged discs in his spine and eventually had to retire from skating completely. In 1956, the decision was made to rename the event The Duke Trophy, to honour his name in the sport.

The original format was a competition between six senior men and two junior men with races including a quarter mile, half a mile, one mile and two miles. Two skaters per state competed in each race, except for the one mile in which there were three skaters per state. The juniors skated quarter and half mile only, then there was also a two mile relay for the seniors. By 1955 a two mile race for seniors was included. Ladies events were included by the early 1960’s.

The whole program was held over a half hour period on the last night of Australian Championships. By 1963 the event had separated from the Australian Championships and for a long time was held on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. It is now held over three sessions on the last weekend of July.

The Duke Trophy will be held this Saturday and Sunday at Canterbury Olympic Ice rink. Follow Australian Ice Racing Facebook page for up to date results and live action.

Alice Wheeler
Australian Ice Racing

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