Elise Christie had planned to retire from short-track if she had managed to crown her career with an Olympic gold medal in Pyeongchang.

Christie was set on pursuing a future elsewhere – possibly in another sport such as cycling or skeleton – but her latest Games calamity has made her more determined than ever to reach the short-track podium.

The 27-year-old said: “I probably wanted to retire – I thought I’d medal and then I would have achieved all I’d wanted and maybe could have had a go at another sport.

Elise Christie
Elise Christie is determined to return to the Olympics in 2022 (David Davies/PA)

“My last goal was to be Olympic champion – there was nothing else to do if I’d achieved that here.

“It didn’t work out and, while I’ve thought about other sports, my heart lies with short-track.

“As much as I hate the sport too at some points, at the same time I’ve worked so hard to be here and I’m getting better and faster every year. I’ve got four years to make sure I’m on that podium.”

‘Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your brain already knows’ I’ve been asked many times why I wanted to skate with my ankle the way it was, I wasn’t ready to let go, the reality was that with my ankle the way it was me medalling was so unlikely, but my heart held onto that little bit of hope. And I wanted to inspire people never to give up. I’m sorry it didn’t end the way we all hoped and I’m thankful for every message of support and every person that’s taken time out to tell me I’ve inspired them. Thanks also to all@my fellow athletes that came up to say they respect me yesterday! Can’t thank them enough! Thank you @teamgb and @uk_sport 💜#pyeongchang2018 #teamgb #winterolympics #shorttrack #pyeongchang

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Christie’s defiant attitude comes in striking contrast to her post-Sochi misery when, assailed by death threats from South Korean fans, it often seemed unthinkable she would commit to another Olympic cycle.

But, while plenty more tears came with her latest trio of disappointments – culminating in a double-disqualification from the 1000m heats on Tuesday – Christie has also exuded a self-confident and positive attitude.

“The focus is definitely on Beijing – obviously there will be speed-bumps over the next few months and I still can’t believe the Olympics has ended like this,” Christie added.

“I’ve done hundreds of races in the last 10 years where I’ve been on top of that podium. I’ve won world and European titles and medals. The odds of it going this way were so slim and that means it isn’t over.”

Meanwhile, the right ankle she injured during her crash in the 1500m semi-final last week will rule Christie out of defending her three world titles in Montreal next month.

“It’s unlikely I’ll turn this injury around in time for that,” she added. “But I’m thinking no-one can take my titles off me if I’m not there.

“After this, the first thing I wanted to do was go out and beat the world, and I won’t be able to do that.”