Winter Olympics: Sporting Dames give Elise Christie a timely confidence boost

Elise Christie insists she’s put aside her Olympic heartache – with a little help from two of her sporting heroes, writes James Toney in PyeongChang.

Christie was left in tears after crashing on the final lap of 500m short track speed skating final, meaning she finished just outside the medals in fourth.

But after training in PyeongChang today she insists her confidence is back, though claims next week’s 1000m is a stronger medal chance than Saturday’s 1500m.

“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,” she told official Olympics broadcaster 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.

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“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.

“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.”

• Watch Elise is action next on Eurosport 1 at 10am this Saturday. Don’t miss a moment of the Olympic Winter Games on Eurosport and Eurosport Player. Go to www.eurosport.co.uk