Elise Christie has taken a vow of social media silence as she prepares to renew her bid for an elusive first Olympic medal at the Gangneung Ice Arena on Saturday.
The 27-year-old saw her dream of reaching the podium in her first event dashed on Tuesday when she crashed out of the women’s 500m final.
But Christie is due to go in the 1500m this weekend and the 1000m, her favoured distance, early next week – both distances in which she is the current world champion.
Christie tweeted: “Hey guys, I’m going to be a bit quieter over the next few days so I can focus on my preparation! Especially for the 1000m coming up! Thanks so much for all the support its overwhelming! I promise to do my best!
In contrast to four years ago when she was faced with death threats after being disqualified for tangling with a South Korean skater in Sochi, Christie has been inundated with messages of support.
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill replied: “Sport is so cruel sometimes and I know you must be devastated. But you’ve absolutely got the strength and talent to come back much stronger. It’s not over by any means and we are all rooting for you.”
And Dame Kelly Holmes also tweeted: “Down but not over. You will bounce back even stronger. You know what focus and perseverance is and how you can keep your head up high, fighting for what you believe in!! It’s there! You have got it! It’s just that the other achievements are maybe coming first.”
