I’LL GIVE ’EM ’EL

Fearless Christie vows to attack in pursuit of gold

ELISE CHRISTIE only knows one form of defence and she vowed to attack again to finally break her Olympic curse.

Christie was left in tears once again after falling and finishing fourth in the 500m short track speed skating final.

She struck out for gold on the final lap and, in a repeat of four years ago, it was a decision that certainly cost her the elusive medal she craves.

However, the Scot insists the tactics that won her three golds at last year’s World Championships will not change – safe is not her style. “Win at all costs” remains the mantra.

All of which guarantees more fingernail crunching tension when she races in tomorrow’s

1500m event,

“I’ll still be racing fearless, nothing is going to change with my tactics,” said the 27-year-old (leading in the women’s

500m quarter-final, right).

“I had a good cry but picked myself up the next day, I even felt better that night. I’ve had so much support from back home.”

It’s all a stark contrast to four years ago, when she faced death threats, after being disqualified for tangling with a South Korean skater.

Christie has been inundated with messages of support, most notably from two of her heroes.

Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Jessica Ennis-hill – who both beat injuries to strike Olympic gold – contacted the Scot and urged her to keep the faith.

“It meant so much that they found the time to get in touch. They are my two biggest heroes and it’s overwhelming they’ve messaged me,” added Christie.

“This is a total opposite feeling to four years ago and I feel ready to go again. I’m super-focused for the 1000m, which is my last event, because that’s my favourite and best distance.

“I’m trying to still enjoy the moment I’m in and not focus on everything that has gone wrong.

“I know I can do well in the 1500m but it’s never a distance I focus on. It’s about having a race and getting ready for the 1000m.

“But I know

I’m capable of medalling in it because I’m the world champion at 1500m too. It’s nice to finish with my best event, but I’ll be looking to get that medal this weekend too.”

Watch Elise in action next on Eurosport 1 at 10am tomorrow. Don’t miss a moment of the Olympic Winter Games on Eurosport and Eurosport Player. Go to www.eurosport.co.uk