Torphins skier Alex Tilley was left cursing a “rookie error” yesterday as the first event of her Olympic debut ended in disappointment.
The 24-year-old fell on the first run of the giant slalom but hopes to bounce back today when the she competes in the slalom.
Tilley said: “It’s mixed emotions. I’m happy to finally compete in the Olympics but I’m really disappointed with the result. It was a rookie error but you’ve got to take risks. I’ll go in to the slalom and just try to enjoy it.”
Elise Christie, meanwhile, insists she’s put aside her Olympic heartache – with a little help from two of her sporting heroes.
Scotland’s Christie was left in tears after crashing on the final lap of 500m short-track speed -skating final, meaning she finished just outside the medals in fourth.
Christie has since been inundated with messages of support, most notably from two of her heroes.
Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Jess Ennis-Hill, who both overcame injuries to strike Olympic gold, contacted the Scot and urged her to keep the faith.
“I picked myself up the next day, I even felt better that night,” she said.
“I’ve heard from Jessica and Kelly – they are my two biggest heroes and it’s overwhelming they’ve messaged me.
“This is a total opposite feeling to Sochi and I feel ready to go again.
“I’m trying to enjoy the moment I’m in and not focus on everything that has gone wrong.”
Christie is also playing down this weekend’s 1,500m event, claiming her Games may well be judged on her final race – the cue for more crippling tension for those watching at home.
“I’m focused for the 1,000m, my last event,” she said.
“I know I can do well in the 1,500m but it’s never a distance that I focus on. I know I’m capable of medalling because I’m the world champion at 1,500m, too.”
“It’s nice to finish with my best event but I’ll be looking to get that medal this weekend. too.”
l Watch Elise is action next on Eurosport 1 at 10am tomorrow. Don’t miss a moment of the Olympic Winter Games on Eurosport and Eurosport Player. Go to www.eurosport.co.uk