Elise Christie bounces back to become European champion
Last Updated: 25/01/15 6:59pm
Great Britain speed skater Elise Christie, who left the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics in tears after being disqualified in all of her races, has won the 500m and 1500m in the Netherlands to take the overall title at the European Short Track championships.
Her gold medal was not without similar drama to Sochi however, after clipping favourite Arianna Fontana on the last lap of the 1500m final on Saturday. She faced a nervous wait while the judges deliberated before ruling that she was not at fault.
The 24-year-old Scot made no such mistake in the 500m race, leading from the start to add a second gold.
She said: "I'm absolutely ecstatic that I won the 1500m and 500m. I actually got a bit emotional afterwards.
"I've never even got to a final in a European 500m in my whole career so I'm over the moon that I've not only reached the podium, but have left with a gold medal.
"I definitely feel like all my hard work is paying off."
Christie was entered as the favourite in the 1,000m but was penalised in the semi-final on Sunday. However, her second place in the 3,000m super final in Dordecht helped her secure the overall win.
Her coach Jo Eley was equally delighted with the result as she said: "Great job bouncing back from adversity – smart racing to take her first overall title."
