Christie sets British 1500m record at Olympic qualifier

British short track speed skater Elise Christie is happy to take the rough with the smooth on her journey to next year’s Olympics after an eventful day at the Sochi 2014 qualifier in Torino.

Christie finished sixth in the 1500m at the World Cup meet, breaking teammate Charlotte Gilmartin’s British record after clocking 2:18.696minutes on route to the final.

The 23-year-old was also in action in the 500m but suffered two falls in the quarter-finals to place 14th – although she brushed off the incidents in Torino.

“It’s not too bad. At least it happened later on rather than in the first round,” Christie told BBC Sport. “It’s just a shame because I was looking good.

“You have to laugh. I couldn’t do anything else. I’m obviously devastated inside, but hey-ho. I’m glad I made a final.”

Reigning World Cup 1000m champion Christie was one of three Brits in action with Jack Whelbourne placing 13th overall in the 1500m and 11th in the 500m.

She will go next in the 1000m while the third of the three Brits in action Paul Stanley was eliminated in the 500m eighth-finals.

© Sportsbeat 2013