Winter Olympics Star Elise Christie Recommends Her Favourite Places in Nottingham

The Winter Olympics are underway in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and many of the athletes have spent the last four years tirelessly preparing for their moment in the world's spotlight.

Tomorrow, Elise Christie, who trains with the GB Short Skating squad at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham, will begin her campaign to bring Olympic Gold back to Notts.

Since receiving a controversial triple disqualification at the Sochi Games in 2014, she has dominated the sport, winning fans across the globe as she set a new world record, and became the first non-Asian skater to win the women's overall world title in 23 years at the 2017 Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Rotterdam.

Expectation couldn't be much higher as the Games begin in skating-mad Pyeongchang, and everyone back home in Nottingham is behind her, as the World Champ looks to cement her reputation as 'the Fastest Woman on Ice'.

A little while ago, we spoke to Elise about how she unwinds away from the media spotlight and about some of her favourite places in Nottingham.

She said: "One of my favourite places to relax and get fresh air is Wollaton Park. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Nottingham as is a nice place to go all year round. Where else can you see wild deer walking right past you?

"There are 500 acres of park to explore with a large lake and the very grand Wollaton Hall - which starred as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises film. The park is brilliant for having a picnic in the summer and it’s also a great place to go for a run as there are many different routes to take.

"The winter is even better because, on the off chance it snows, it is a brilliant place to go sledging."

"Definitely worth a visit is the National Water Sports Centre (located at Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Home of the National Water Sports Centre).

"I’ve used the facilities there for weight training; however I have also visited here to cycle and take part in wake-boarding which was great!

"It’s a beautiful area with lots of lovely walks and lakes and can be a lot of fun because of the variety of water sports. I did try water skiing once but this was NOT very easy; I didn’t get past the take-off point because I kept falling face first in. 

"For indoor activity I would recommend ice skating of course. Nottingham is home of the National Ice Centre, and is where I train day in and day out.

"There is something for every one of all ages; from beginner skating, ice discos and speed skating - to ice hockey and concerts. I’d suggest taking part in a speed skating lesson for those who like an adrenaline buzz."

If you do find yourself feeling inspired by Elise's and the GB team's exploits on the ice, be sure to try out the sport for free this February, on the very same ice rink that the Olympians train on.

The National Ice Centre is offering a free Speed Skating Taster Session each Saturday and Sunday this February, giving everyone the chance to experience this exhilarating sport.

Best of luck to Elise and Team GB from everyone here at Visit Nottinghamshire!

This blog was written by Alistair Webster, Marketing Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire.