[1][2] The Australians were in third place when Richard Nizielski lost his footing; they finished fourth and failed to reach the final.

[4] In 1994, Murtha was part of the short track relay team won Australia's first Winter Olympic medal, a bronze.

Late in the race, Nizielski was fighting with his American counterpart for track position for the silver medal, but took the safe option and yielded, mindful of the lost opportunity following the crash in Albertville.

Hansen's mother Helen said "These boys are pure western suburbs – kids with a one-track mind", attributing their success to their determination.

His training colleagues included Hansen and Winter Olympic figure skaters Steven and Danielle Carr.