Curling legend finally breaks Olympic duck

GB women’s skip Muirhead hails ‘idol’ Howard’s impact

Glenn Howard is considered one of curling’s all-time greats but he’s never been to the Olympic Games – until now.

Eve Muirhead’s rink will be coached in PyeongChang by the four-time world champion, whose own hopes of making the Canadian men’s team ended with a defeat at their highly-competitive pre-trials.

Howard, 55, has spent decades at the top of his sport but has never appeared on its biggest stage.

But he’ll finally get the chance, providing the tactical and strategic coaching expertise to Perthshire star Muirhead, whose rink he helped to their first European title in six years before Christmas.

She describes him as her ‘idol’ and it’s a mutual fan club, Howard claiming he’s found a new respect for the sport since the partnership began.

“When I started curling he was a hero, he’s one of the greatest in our sport,” she said.

“I’ve got a huge amount of confidence just having him on our side. When he talks you know you are listening and learning from one of the best there has been.

“It’s a massive boost being European champions coming here – it proves this year we can compete against the best teams in the world.

“After Sochi there was never any doubt that I wanted to be here. Once you’ve had that taste of medal success, you’ve got the bug and you want to go back. I haven’t thought that much beyond these Games, it is tough to carry on going for four years but I can’t see myself giving up.

“Four years ago told me a lot about myself. When we lost in the semi-finals it was tough but we had a chance to put it right within 20 hours.

“I didn’t sleep much that night. The courage and professionalism we showed to win the bronze medal, which is probably the hardest match you’ll play, will stand us in good stead here.”

Muirhead is joined in PyeongChang by brothers Thomas and Glen, part of Kyle Smith’s youthful and hopeful men’s rink, also medallists at the recent Europeans.

However, it’s Eve’s women’s team – Anna Sloan, Vicki Adams, Lauren Gray and alternate Kelly Schafer – that arrive in South Korea with the profile and expectation following their podium performance in Sochi.

“I’d like to think they look up to me, I’ve definitely got the bragging rights at the moment,” jokes Muirhead.

“Being their sister they don’t actually ask for a lot of advice but I’d tell them to enjoy the opening ceremony, the village, the whole buzz but when it comes to competition, get your head down.

“I’ll be supporting them every single game and watching them on TV as much as I can, but my number one priority is my own game.”

Muirhead’s rink open their campaign next week against the Olympic Athletes from Russia, while Smith’s men’s team have the most demanding start possible, facing top medal hopes Switzerland and Canada in their opening two round robin games.