World Champion skater Elise Christie's retirement from short track speed skating

Early day motion 826, tabled 10 January 2022 by Hannah Bardell (Scottish National Party). Signed by 8 members.

That this House sends its best wishes to three-time Scottish and British Olympic short track speed World Champion skater Elise Christie, following her decision to retire from short track speed skating; notes that Elise was born in Livingston and attended St Margaret’s High School and later went on to study at Loughborough College, was originally a figure skater but made the transition to speed skating at the age of 15, achieving 12 world championship medals over her distinguished career; further notes that Elise is a 10-time European gold medallist, achieving two overall European titles in 2015 and 2016 respectively, winning over 70 World Cup/ European and World Championship medals in total, representing her country in no less than three Winter Olympics, finishing in fourth place at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang; notes the unwavering support of her coach, mentor and friend Nicky Gooch; recognises her courageous decision to speak openly about her mental health struggles; further notes with pride her untiring commitment to her sport despite many hardships throughout her career in which she has inspired countless children to never give up on their dreams; congratulates her and co-author Mark Eglington on the compelling personal autobiography titled Resilience that charters Elise’s journey to becoming a champion; and sends her very best wishes in her role as a coach ahead of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing and for her future.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 6, DUP 1, Independent 1.