Elise Christie pleased with Winter Olympic Games welcome
Thursday 8 February 2018 09:08, UK
British speed skater Elise Christie is enjoying the warm welcome she has received in Pyeongchang and hopes to use the Games to bury painful memories of the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Christie endured a miserable time at the Games four years ago after being disqualified in three separate events and suffering subsequent online abuse and even death threats.
But she will go into this year's competition full of confidence having bounced back to win three world titles in Rotterdam last March before capping the year off by being named the Sunday Times 2017 Sportswoman of the Year.
The 27-year-old is now solely focused on her performance in South Korea and is delighted by her reception so far.
"The only reason I might get negative stuff now is if I'm challenging one of their country's skaters," Christie said. "If I'm not racing one of their skaters I'm the favourite - they really cheer me on and it's nice to be there.
"Short-track is classed as a national sport in Korea. It's like a whole different world. There will be hundreds of people trying to grab you and throw gifts at you. I've had socks and teddy bears, and sometimes they give you mugs that have pictures of you on them. It's a bit surreal, but it's nice."
Christie, who will be joined in the 500m, 1000m and 1500m by British team-mates Charlotte Gilmartin and Kathryn Thompson, says success at this month's showpiece is not only important for personal reasons, but it will restore a positive narrative to her career.
"I want to be known for who I am rather than the bullied girl," she said. "I feel like a lot of people know me now because of something that happened, not for me as a person. I just want to be remembered for who I really am."
