Sky Scholar speed skater Elise Christie wins double World Cup gold in China
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 24/03/17 11:00am
Speed skater Elise Christie won a second gold in Shanghai to make it another weekend to remember in her World Cup campaign.
The 26-year-old Sky Academy Sports Scholar had already notched victory on Saturday in the 500m in 43.590 seconds, and she continued her magnificent form on Sunday at the same distance.
Christie is now on top of the women's rankings at 500m, ahead of former world record holder Kexin Fan of China and Canada's Marianne St-Gelais.
After Saturday's final featured two restarts, Sunday's race was a lot more straightforward and Christie stayed ahead to win in 42.734 seconds.
Arianna Fontana of Italy (42.835secs) was second, ahead of Poland's Natalia Maliszewska.
Christie said: "I'm happy with my two golds and feel my equipment is better. I didn't assume I'd get the titles, especially being on Kexin Fan's home ground.
"Today's final was a lot smoother than Saturdays. I took a few knocks in that first final and was bumped around quite a bit".
Having proved her dominance at 500m, Christie is switching focus to the longer races at the next World Cup event in PyeongChang in South Korea, home of the 2018 Olympic Games.
"I'm looking to work on the other distances now, concentrating on the 1000m next," she added. "I can't wait to see the new venue in PyeongChang.
"I've heard it's really nice and so I'm looking forward to getting comfortable and used to the ice there".
It has been a dazzling start to the World Cup series for Christie who recently broke the 500m world record in Salt Lake City having won gold in the opening event in Calgary.
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS....
DEC 16 - 18: Elise Christie, World Cup short track speed skating in Gangneung, South Korea
NOV 25 - DEC 22: Holly Bradshaw, South Africa training camp
