The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Brechin teenager tells of ‘amazing’ feeling of winning gold medal
Victory at European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Sarajevo
A Brechin teenager has described the “amazing feeling” of winning curling gold in Sarajevo at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival.
Inca Maguire, 15, was part of Team GB’s mixed curling quartet which defeated Switzerland 6-2 in the gold medal match to win the tournament, ensuring their 100% record over the course of their eight matches.
The team, skipped by Hamish Gallacher and featuring Angus Bryce and Robyn Munro, came out on top, navigating their way through a nervy first few ends to secure victory after the eighth.
The British four had earlier stormed to victory in the semi-finals, beating Poland 8-2 after six ends.
Inca said: “I can’t get the smile off my face, I’m so happy right now.
“I was hoping to medal at the start of the week, but I never really thought it would come true.
INCA MAGUIRE
“The adrenalin in me is so high right now – it’s mad. When I had the medal placed around my neck, it was an amazing feeling.
“This is my first ever gold medal at my first European Youth Olympic Festival – hopefully this is the start of things to come.
“My whole family curled so I got into it from a really young age. I was at ice rinks all the time, playing with my brother and I also loved watching it – I’ve been into it ever since.
“I’ve played in a mixed team once or twice before, but it’s new playing with Hamish and Angus this year.
“I play with Robyn anyway, but I feel that the team has a good mix which is why we’re going strong.
“I know both the boys really well and we all get on so well, so it’s a really strong team dynamic and it really helps us when we’re on the ice.
“I really like being in the athletes’ village – it’s great to be part of a multi-sport event, speaking to other sports about how they warm up, their preparations and pressures. It’s been great to learn all about them.”
Skip Hamish Gallacher said the team would have been happy with a medal but the fact it was gold was “outstanding”.
“Eight wins out of eight – if you’d have said that at the start of the week my jaw would have dropped.”
I can’t get the smile off my face, I’m so happy right now.