MUIRHEAD’S DREAMYEAR
‘Season of my lifetime’ says curling champ
Eve Muirhead has hailed her World Mixed Doubles Championship victory with partner Bobby Lammie as the perfect way to complete the season of “my lifetime.”
The Stirling resident had already annexed the European Championship title and struck Olympic gold in Beijing before winning the only major title to elude her in Switzerland over the weekend with a dramatic 9-7 victory over the hosts.
This concluded what is also recognised as the greatest campaign ever completed by a Scottish skip and one that may yield even more recognition for the 32-year-old who is now being mentioned as a contender for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Reflecting on her triple triumph, Muirhead told the Observer: “It has been the season of my lifetime and one that I will never forget.
“I’m not getting any younger and I think it would be very hard to top this season off but who knows what is ahead.
“I rank winning the World Mixed Doubles right up there with any other gold medal I’ve ever won. I don’t think you can rank it higher or lower than any of my other titles. Every single gold medal you get is just as special.”
She added: “From what happened a couple of seasons ago when I didn’t qualify for the Olympics, team changes, a new squad system and almost throwing my curling shoes away and calling it a day - I never ever thought I would have a season like this.”
With a growing campaign on social media to ensure that her ‘season of a lifetime’ is recognised by a nomination for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the self-effacing Stirling-based star admits it would be something she would treasure having been a devoted viewer since childhood and one that could further boost her sport’s profile.
The Olympic champion said: “All these things are great but I know how small curling is in comparison to some of the other sports but it would be great to get it out there a little bit more and raise its profile.
“I would be up against some great sportspeople but if perks like that happen then they do and it’s great to even be thought of about in that bracket and company.”
Reflecting on her triumph in Switzerland, which saw Muirhead and partner Bobby Lammie compile an unblemished 11-match unbeaten streak, the world champion said: “In the final against Switzerland we were 5-0 up at the beginning and then only one up and it can turn in a matter of seconds.
For now the golf course beckons for single-figure handicapper Eve. “It’s time to get the clubs out. I’m not a member at Stirling Golf Club but I have a few friends there and I’m sure I will be playing with them over the summer as it’s a lovely course.”
BY RJ MITCHELL