'What a disappointment' - Heartbreak for Kathryn Thomson after first-corner crash at Winter Olympics 2022

Published 05/02/2022 at 13:29 GMT

Kathryn Thomson was selected ahead of Elise Christie for Beijing 2022 but endured a nightmare opening event. She has the chance for redemption in the 1000m and 1500m. It capped a disappointing day for Team GB in the short track speed skating as brothers Niall and Farrell Treacy failed to progress in the men’s 1000m. Watch every moment of Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 on discovery+

'What a disappointment' - GB's Thomson crashes on first corner in heartbreaking exit

Kathryn Thomson’s Olympic debut was spoiled at the first corner as she crashed in the women’s 500m heats at Beijing 2022.

There were high hopes pinned on Team GB’s Thomson, but she made headlines for all the wrong reasons – evoking memories of Elise Christie’s heartbreaking failures at the Olympics.

Three-time world champion Christie had a string of crashes and disqualifications at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018. .

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Thomson entered the competition in heat six alongside Choi Minjeong of South Korea, Italy's Martina Valcepina and Patrycja Maliszewska of Poland, knowing that a top-two finish would see her qualify for the next round.

It was Choi who crossed the line first, with Valcepina taking second place, as the pair progressed in the competition. But Thomson was left to rue to a sad exit after appearing to clash blades with Maliszewska.

"What a disappointment that is," came the cry on Eurosport commentary.

All is not lost for the 26-year-old though, and she will be hoping for a turnaround in her fortunes in the 1000m and 1500m.

There was more disappointment for Team GB as Niall Treacy’s first Olympics ended in a crash in the men’s 1000m, while his brother Farrell failed to make it through.

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