Now Olympic star Elise falls victim... to cowboy builders
OLYMPIC skater Elise Christie was ripped off by cowboy builders who failed to finish extension work on her home.
The 27-year-old Scot paid up front for work at the house in Nottingham but the rogue company left the job incomplete.
Miss Christie turned to her 44,000 Twitter followers for help and received dozens of messages of support after the post was spotted by shocked fans.
TV DIY experts Nick Knowles and Dom Littlewood offered tips and support after seeing the appeal. Miss Christie said: ‘I’ve had an extension built and the people have ran off with my money and not finished the project! I was wondering if anyone knows anyone that could help out? Thanks guys.’
Dom Littlewood wrote: ‘Your local Trading Standards are the place to start. Good luck, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.’
Nick Knowles added: ‘I’m sure there’ll be someone wanting to help out our most determined inspirational Olympian to get the place finished.’
A neighbour of the skater then offered details of a contractor used by his wife’s company. Tony Pearce said: ‘He’s a sound guy. Come across if you want more information.’
And Lisa Storer added: ‘Oh God how horrible. I think you probably need to contact the police.
‘If you need someone to finish some of the jobs let me know as I am based in Nottingham and my husband owns his own home improvement company.’
Ann Scott said: ‘Speak to your local trading standards officer. They may be able to help. Awful thing to happen.’
Unlucky Elise is still recovering from the disappointment of failing to win a medal at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. The short track speedskater was twice disqualified from the 1500m heats while competing with an ankle injury, which would ordinarily require six weeks of rehabilitation.
But the world champion has vowed to compete again in Beijing in 2022 and slammed those who sent her abusive messages in the wake of her Olympic disappointment.
Miss Christie grew up in Livingston, West Lothian, before moving south of the Border just before she turned 16. She is now based at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham, where she trains with the rest of the British team.