Wednesday 21 February 2018 08:21, UK
Elise Christie has admitted she “wasn’t ready to let go” of her ambitions of securing a maiden medal at the Winter Olympics despite heading into the 1,000m heats with an ankle injury.
The 27-year-old suffered soft tissue damage after a fall in Saturday's 1,500m semi-finals after suffering the same fate in last week's 500m and her participation for her favoured distance was only confirmed one hour before the start.
Christie, despite her evident pain and a crash in the early moments which forced a re-start, managed to finish second in her heat which appeared to have seen her secure passage to Thursday's semi-finals only for her to be disqualified for an offence during the race.
The triple world champion has failed to finish in each of her three events at the past two Olympics after she was disqualified three times in Sochi but Christie wrote of her gratitude for the support she has received from fans and athletes alike.
Christie wrote on Twitter: "Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your brain already knows.
"I've been asked many times why I wanted to skate with my ankle the way it was, I wasn't ready to let go, the reality was that with my ankle the way it was me medalling was so unlikely, but my heart held onto that little bit of hope.
"And I wanted to inspire people never to give up. I'm sorry it didn't end the way we all hoped and I'm thankful for every message of support and every person that's taken time out to tell me I've inspired them.
"Thanks also to all my fellow athletes that came up to say they respect me yesterday! Thank you @teamgb and @uksport."
The short track speed skater, who made her Olympics debut in Vancouver in 2010, confirmed her determination to appear at a fourth Olympic Games in Beijing on Tuesday, despite her disappointing campaign in Pyeongchang.
"I promise Britain I will fight from this and I will come back in Beijing and hopefully I can do Britain proud then," said Christie.
"I have so much belief in the programme and in myself. It wasn't through a lack of capability it was just short track. What else can I say? Everyone has been a massive support - most of the people anyway.
"It's just frustrating having to wait four more years. It just wasn't meant to be this time. I would just like to thank all the kids who have sent me messages saying they are inspired.
"They have no idea how much that means to me. The fact five, six, seven-year-olds find me inspiring brings tears to my eyes."
