Winter Olympics: Christie: I would have quit if I won a medal

Elise Christie admitted she would have retired had she landed that elusive Olympic medal in PyeongChang.

Christie admits she sometimes hates short track speed skating but has vowed to be back in four years time to finally break her Olympic curse.

She will miss the defence of her world titles in Montreal next month

“I probably wanted to retire if I’m honest,” she added.

“I thought I’d medal and then I could step back because I’d achieved I wanted, maybe I could have a go at another sport.

“As much as I hate the sport too at some points, I’ve worked so hard to be here and I’m getting better and faster every year. I’ve got four years to make sure I’m on that podium.

“The focus is definitely Beijing, obviously there will be speed bumps over the next few months. I still can’t believe that the Olympics has ended like this.”

Christie also hinted she may be tempted to have a crack at long-track speed skating – which has the distinct advantage of being against the clock, rather than against other athletes.

“It’s an easier sport for sure,” she added.

“Long track isn’t funded so I’d have to move aboard but it is certainly something that has crossed my mind.

“It’s a lot to think about but it’s still skating and that is the sport that I love.

“It’s not off the cards and I’ll be looking into it. If I did do it, I’d probably try and do both long and short track.

“I still want that Olympic medal in short track because its the only thing I don’t have. I would come back and do both happily.”

Can Eve Muirhead win Britain’s fifth medal? Watch her curling semi-final live on Eurosport 2 at 11am Friday. Don’t miss a moment of the Olympic Winter Games at Eurosport.co.uk and the Eurosport app