CHRISTIE’S READY TO RISK IT ALL
ELISE CHRISTIE will gamble everything for gold at the Winter Olympics – even if it means again returning home empty-handed.
The 27-year-old speed-skater arrives at the Games as a triple world champion and Great Britain’s hottest medal contender. But, four years ago in Sochi, she fell twice and was disqualified, her Games remembered for the death threats she received after tangling with a Korean skater.
This time around the Scot (below) is determined there will be no regrets. Christie, who will compete in the 500m, 1,000m and 1,500m events, said: “Perhaps in Sochi I could have sat in third place and picked up a bronze, but would I have been happy with that? My life might have changed a bit but my feelings wouldn’t.
“Other people might have a different opinion of me but I don’t think I’d have a different opinion of myself. I’m not saying I’m going to win a gold but that’s the intention.
“I’ve not trained this hard to refuse myself that opportunity. If I get a penalty on the last lap, pushing for first place, then so be it. I can accept failure.
“In the past, I hesitated when I got in a winning position, because I felt the responsibility of securing medals.
“I just decided that approach was making me unhappy. I want to know I’ve done everything I can for gold. If I’m in second place, with three laps to go and I don’t try to go for gold, that’s worse than doing it and failing.
“I really want to win and I believe in myself. Perhaps I didn’t have the selfbelief before. I’m confident now but I’m not desperate either.
“I’ve always had the physical ability but the World Championship last year proved I had the mental ability too.”
You can watch Elise Christie compete LIVE and on demand across Eurosport channels. Don’t miss a moment of the Olympic Winter Games on Eurosport, the Eurosport App (available on IOS, Android and Windows devices), and online at www. eurosport.co.uk/olympics