Historic Bronze for GB Short Track mixed relay team

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The GB Short Track Speed Skating mixed relay team have won a historic Bronze medal at the ISU World Cup in Dresden, Germany this weekend.

The team took the medal after successfully executing their race plan in the three knockout rounds leading up to the A final, taking on some of the world's best skaters.

Competing for Great Britain were 2019 double European medalist Elise Christie, alongside Kathryn Thomson and Farrell Treacy, who both made their Olympic debuts in 2018, and Jack Burrows, a 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Champion.

In the final, leaders Korea were penalised, putting Russia in Gold medal position, Hungary in Silver and Great Britain in Bronze.

The 2,000m mixed gender relay is a new event on the ISU Short Track World circuit this season and will also feature in the 2022 Winter Olympic program in Beijing. The event is proving to be a popular addition for crowds and skaters alike.

Commenting after the final, Kathryn Thomson was delighted with the result saying, “With all the bad news we’ve had over the past year regarding losing funding and this being our last trip away as a full team, it means the world to me that we can stand on the podium as a team knowing that everyone has contributed to this success.”

GB Short Track Coach Paul Worth said, “I’m really proud of the team this weekend. They have worked so hard this season and it’s nice for them to see the rewards. The mixed relay is an exciting new event that suits our teams strengths and we will be looking to build on this moving forwards.”

2017 triple World Champion Elise Christie added, “I’m used to winning individual medals on the world stage but it’s super cool to make history with the mixed relay team. I’m proud of all the team.”

In the individual events at Dresden this weekend, Elise Christie finished in 5th place overall in the ladies 500m. Italy’s Martina Valcepina won gold with a time of 43.049s. Elise still holds the 500m world record time of 42.335s.