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Elise Christie boosted by home support

Great Britain's Elise Christie says that messages of support from back home helped her regain her confidence after twice being penalised in the short track speed skating.

Great Britain speed skater Elise Christie has revealed that messages of support from back home helped her regain her confidence after receiving two penalties.

The 23-year-old lost a silver medal after being blamed for a crash in the 500m final before being classed as a non-finisher in the 1500m for missing the finish line.

However, Christie is through to the 1000m quarter-finals after comfortably winning her heat earlier today.

The European champion at 1000m told BBC Sport: "I spent a few days feeling quite down and struggling psychologically. I came here to train yesterday and found that really difficult. It was quite emotional.

"I was then told about all the good support back home and that really boosted me. I have not seen a lot of them as I am not on social media, but people have read them out to me and they have been backing me.

"I smiled for the first time in a while when I heard that, so I can't get across how thankful I am because I was considering not getting back on [the ice], and the support I have had is what has pushed me to get back on."

Christie deleted her Twitter account after being targeted by cyber bullies.

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Great Britain's Elise Christie is pictured before she competes in the Women's Short Track 1500 m Heats at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the Sochi Winter Olympics on February 15, 2014
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