Christie infitness racefor finalbid

ELISE CHRISTIE is “desperate” to overcome an ankle injury to make a final bid for Winter Olympics glory in Pyeongchang.

The 27-year-old speed skater will undergo a fitness test on her right ankle today to see if she can compete in tonight’s 1000m heats.

Scans have determined no significant injury to the Scot after her crash in the 1500m on Saturday and she worked out on a stationary bike on Sunday in flip flops due to the swelling on her ankle.

Christie trained on the ice yesterday and Great Britain chef de mission Mike Hay said: “She’s desperate to compete. This is her last of the Games from the three events she qualified for.

“I’m cautiously optimistic. She was on the ice today to see if she could put the boot on and skate. She will have a training session tomorrow.

“If she comes through that – and it’s still a big if – then she will compete. When you are putting pressure on an ankle injury in a racing situation, it’s hard.

“She needs to come through a tougher training session tomorrow and we’ll see the reaction after that.”

Hay made it clear the final decision would be Christie’s and there would be no one pushing her into competing as Britain chase a record fifth medal of the Games.

He added: “Elise’s welfare is more important than chasing any medal target.

“She needs to be fit or else she’s not going to be able to compete at the level that she wants to.”