Christie keeps tactics simple in pursuit of Olympic success

Elise Christie will keep her tactics simple in a bid to end Great Britain's 20-year wait for an Olympic short track speed skating gold in Sochi.

Christie insists she isn't feeling the pressure of being one of Team GB's top medal prospects, after winning bronze over 1000m at last year's World Championships, finishing the year ranked number one over the distance and winning the recent European title.

Some have questioned changes to her tactical approach this season, the 23-year old seeming to ditch her preference to lead from the front and adopting a more cautious race strategy.

But Christie, who has won one World Cup medal this season compared to last year's eight, insists she's happy with her blueprint for success in Russia.

"I have two simple plans when I start the race and pick one out of the two and hope it works," she said.

"Just prior to the race I’m going to decide what I’m going to do and go with instinct.

"I don't feel too much pressure, it's just good to get the support. I think people understand this sport now and realise the things that can go wrong.

"You can't base your dreams in this sport solely on an Olympic medal because you need things to go right on the day.

"I know that I'm driven, committed and I train really hard and I can't base my whole career just one how I do in this competition.

"However, I'm definitely skating the best I've ever skated and you can't say anymore than that when you arrive at the Olympics."

Christie will compete in three events in Sochi, starting her campaign in the 500m next Monday with her signature event, the 1000m, not taking place until late in the second week of the Games on February 21.