The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Motivated Musgrave knows what he must do
Becoming Olympic champion is all that cross-country skier is thinking about
Cross-country skier Andrew Musgrave insists he’s not feeling the pressure as he seeks to make British Olympic history tomorrow.
Nordic skier Musgrave finished seventh in Sunday’s skiathlon.
And now he is ready to compete in his favourite event, the 15km freestyle.
“I haven’t thought much about becoming the first British athlete to win an Olympic medal on skis. I only think about becoming an Olympic champion,” he said.
“Obviously that would be an historic thing, but it is not something I need to give me extra motivation.”
Musgrave also welcomed the inclusion of Tongan Pita Taufatofua in the field, even though he only took up skiing last year.
Taufatofua made headlines for his shirtless appearance when he carried the flag at the Summer Olympics, when he competed in taekwondo.
He reprised the trick in last week’s opening ceremony ahead of his Nordic skiing debut on Sunday – though Musgrave admits he can’t see himself doing the reverse.
“I don’t think I could ever switch from winter sports to summer sports,” he said.
“I am not very good at any other sports, to be honest. I think it would probably have to be cycling. My hand-eye coordination is absolutely useless.
“I think it’s good for the sport that athletes from less traditional nations get to do cross-country skiing and get to the Olympics.
“I don’t know much about him but if he’s come through qualifying and qualified for the Games then good luck to him.”