Elise Christie, a prominent British figure skater-turned-speed skater, has revealed the intense personal struggles she faced in her journey to Olympic dreams. Throughout her career, Christie grappled with undesirable pressures, financial challenges, and mental health issues, notably self-harm.
Olympic Aspirations and Heartbreak
Christie began her path in speed skating with ambitions of Olympic glory. Despite being a ten-time European champion and a three-time world champion, her Olympic experiences were marred by disqualifications and public backlash. Notably, during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, she faced disqualification in multiple events, including the 1500m heats, which crushed her dreams of winning a medal.
Challenges in the Spotlight
The scrutiny Christie encountered intensified following her disappointing Olympic outcomes. After her disqualification, she received numerous death threats and struggled with severe anxiety. She described her mental health as deteriorating during these years, leading to self-harm as a way to cope with emotional pain. “If I was diagnosed with terminal illness, I would just let it take me because I was in so much pain,” she recalled.
Retirement and Personal Transformation
After another disappointing performance at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, Christie declared her retirement in December 2021. She struggled with feelings of failure and the pressure of expectations, stating that “my brain couldn’t cope any longer.” In the wake of retirement, she faced additional challenges, including employment uncertainty and transitioning to new careers.
- Worked at Pizza Hut and as an activities co-ordinator.
- Balanced multiple jobs to manage financial issues while avoiding memories of her past struggles.
- Turned to OnlyFans as a financial necessity.
Rekindling Hope
Becoming a mother brought new meaning to Christie’s life. She expressed that her daughter has helped her view her past with a sense of resilience. “I’ve turned my life around from a few years ago,” she shared. Now at 35, Christie has begun to embrace both her experiences and her aspirations moving forward.
Addressing Mental Health and Sharing Her Story
Christie aims to shed light on mental health challenges in her documentary entitled “Elise Christie: No Filter”. She wishes to inspire others facing similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. “Just don’t give up on yourself. Trauma does affect people, but there is a way back,” she expressed.
Christie’s journey illustrates that the pursuit of dreams can come with hardships, yet with resilience and support, it is possible to reclaim joy and find purpose beyond the competitive arena.
