The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘Fearless’ Christie lifted by messages of support
Elise Christie has vowed to remain “fearless” as she seeks to end her Olympics torment after taking inspiration from messages of support from Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Jessica Ennis-hill.
The 27-year-old, who was disqualified three times at the Sochi 2014 Games, saw her dream of reaching the podium in her first event in Pyeongchang dashed on Tuesday when she crashed out of the women’s 500metres final.
The Scot has taken a vow of social media silence as she prepares to renew her bid for an elusive first Olympic medal at the Gangneung Ice Arena tomorrow in the 1500m.
Her Twitter shutdown follows the receipt of messages of support from twotime Olympic champion Holmes and Ennis-hill, the London 2012 heptathlon champion.
“I picked myself up the next day, I even felt better that night. I’ve had so much support from back home, which is incredible,” Christie told Eurosport.
“I’ve heard from Jessica Ennis and Kelly Holmes and they are my two biggest heroes and it’s overwhelming they’ve messaged me.
“This is a total opposite feeling to Sochi 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 just getting back on track for that and I’ll still be racing fearless.
“I’m trying to enjoy the moment I’m in and not focus on everything that has gone wrong.”
In contrast to four years ago when she was faced with 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.
Ennis-hill wrote: “Sport is so cruel sometimes and I know you must be devastated. But you’ve absolutely got the strength and talent to come back much stronger. It’s not over by any means and we are all rooting for you.”
And Dame Kelly Holmes also tweeted: “Down but not over. You will bounce back even stronger. You know what focus and perseverance is and how you can keep your head up high, fighting for what you believe in!! It’s there! You have got it! It’s just that the other achievements are maybe coming first.”
Christie is due to go in the 1500m this weekend and the 1000m, her favoured distance, early next week – both distances in which she is the current world champion.
She added: “I know I can do well in the 1500m but it’s never a distance that I focus on. It’s about having a race and getting ready for the 1000m.
“However, 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.”