Elise Christie in a race against time to recover for her final Olympic event
Elise Christie got back on the bike yesterday – literally.
The short track speed skater posted a video from the Olympic Village on Sunday as she worked out on an exercise bike, writing: ‘Working hard to turn this around … 48 hours to get it sorted’.
Christie is used to being in a sprint but this race against time could be her greatest challenge yet. The 27-yearold Scot won’t make the final decision on whether she will race in tomorrow’s 1,000m heat until the last minute, after picking up in ankle injury during the 1,500m semi-finals.
Her boyfriend, Shaolin Liu, posted a picture of a smiling Christie on Instagram with her foot in a protective cast while Christie also posted a message on her own account.
And she thanked the public for their support, and said: “I’m physically so strong and fast right now, so fingers crossed I can make a recovery for my best event!
“And for all the short track experts out there I was always going to get a penalty as I didn’t finish the race! I have so much love for short track.”
Whether it’s a case of blind optimism remains to be seen but, for now, it’s possible to think one of sport’s greatest redemption stories could still be written.
“It’s a bit of a fight against time whether she can make it or not,” said British Olympic Association chef de mission and team leader Mike Hay.
“Nothing is broken, she has got soft tissue damage to her right ankle and we won’t be making a decision until Tuesday morning whether she can skate or not.
“It’s how the ankle responds. She wants to make it but it might not be her decision at the end of the day – you’ve got to be able to get the boot on your foot.
“We’ll have to wait and see what the doctors say and take it from there.
“There must be some chance or they wouldn’t be saying we can wait until Tuesday, we’ll just have to sit tight for the next 48 hours.
“If she’s able to skate she will.”
The women’s 1,000m heats are on Eurosport 1 at 10am tomorrow.