SCOTLAND’S Elise Christie put her Winter Olympics misery of two years ago in Sochi behind her to win the overall European short-track speed skating title at the Russian venue.
Christie, from Livingston, suffered a nightmare at the 2014 Games when she was disqualified in the 500m final after colliding with Italian skater Arianna Fontana, was judged to have not finished her 1500m heat, and was then found to have impeded China’s Jianrou Li on the final lap of the 1000m semi-final.
But the 25-year-old, who is currently based in Nottingham, held on to the European title she claimed in Dordrecht in the Netherlands last year by winning the 500m, 1000m and 1500m races.
Fellow Briton Charlotte Gilmartin was second overall after making the 1000m final and winning the 1500m B final and the men’s relay team edged out Russia to claim bronze in the 5000m race.
Christie’s pre-season had been hampered by injury and she was unsure of her form.
Her main target is the World Championships in Seoul in March.
At last year’s World Championships in Moscow, Christie took silver in the 500m and 1000m to become the first British skater to win two medals at the event.
A jubilant Christie tweeted last night: “Thanks to everyone for the support. Can’t believe I’m European champion.”
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