Elise Christie skates to gold and breaks two UK records

Lothians speed skater Elise Christie was thrilled to win gold and break two UK records at the World Cup 1 event in Calgary, Canada.

Elise Christie was on top in Canada

Christie took gold in the 500m 2 final in a British-record-breaking time of 42.565 (previously set at 42.651), beating Yara van Kerkhof of the Netherlands and local favourite Jamie MacDonald of Canada.

Christie, 26, from Livingston, said: “It’s been great to be back here in Calgary. I haven’t had the most straightforward of competitions with a few falls on Friday and Saturday. My coaches and support team worked with me and my equipment overnight and the adjustments paid off.

“I’m now looking forward to Salt Lake and the next rounds of the World Cup series.”

It was the second British record of the competition for Christie after the GB ladies’ relay team broke the 3000m record with a time of 4.13.719. The team of Christie, Charlotte Gilmartin, Kathryn Thomson and Samantha Morrison finished fourth in the B final.

Performance Director Stewart Laing said: “World Cup 1 in Calgary has been full of up and downs for the team. With a gold medal in the second fastest time for a women’s 500m by Elise, two british records and seven personal bests from five different skaters it’s been a successful competition.”