SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING: Pierre Boda has taken the lead in the short track skate-off at Melbourne's Icehouse today.

Boda and his teammate Andy Jung are vying for the one spot on the Sochi 2014 Team, competing in a nail-biting best of three race format.

Both athletes took to the ice in a 444m time trial, with Boda just edging out Jung by 0.4 seconds to win in 38.4. The win gave Boda the inside lane for the first of the three 500m races.

Nerves were clear as the two athletes took to the ice just after 8 o'clock this morning for the first race.

Boda took the early lead but with only two athletes racing, there was plenty of room for tactics. Jung made his move in the final lap but Boda held him off to win the race.

"Battling against a mate is not an easy thing," Boda said. "We've trained together twice a day, six days a week, for the last year and we've roomed together for most overseas trips. So it's definitely not an easy thing to do, but I guess one of us has to go so we'll be happy if either of us wins."

Despite the cut-throat nature of the competition, the two athletes are still obviously good mates and were quick to congratulate each other and have a joke after the race.

"We still have to see each other every day," Boda said, "so we were still joking around even after the race."

Boda, 20, has been Australia's leading short track skater for the past few years and has had his sights set on Olympic qualification since leaving home to join the national program when he was 16.

"It would mean the world. I have been training for 14 years. I've had to give up school, I've left my family and friends. But it will all be worth it in the end."

Jung is 16 years old and has only been skating for two years, joining the national program just over a year ago. His improvement in the sport has been unfounded and to even be in the position where he is on the edge of Olympic selection is incredible.

"I'm really proud," he said. "I just love skating, I love the speed."

The two young athletes will now rest and recover today as they prepare for the final two races tomorrow morning.

"I'm nervous and excited," Jung said. "Mostly excited."

Race 2 will take place at 7.40am Tuesday 31 December at the Icehouse in Melbourne. Race 3, if required, will be at 8.15am.