Eve eyes a record
IT’S ALL about Eve as Great Britain’s search for a record fifth Winter Olympic medal comes down to today’s curling semi-final.
Four medals so far at these Games equals the previous best performances, in Chamonix in 1924 and four years ago in Sochi. But UK Sport funding bosses are looking for five podium places as a return for their £28million investment.
And that puts the pressure firmly on Muirhead, whose women’s team, including Anna Sloan, Vicki Adams and Lauren Gray, take on Sweden for a shot at gold this weekend.
Memories of four years ago, when they lost a last-four match to Canada, are burned in the Scot’s mind, though tears later turned to cheers when she took bronze. “That was the worst loss of my career, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with in curling,” said Muirhead.
“Even though we won the bronze medal, it took me a long time to get over because I felt we were so close to winning that gold. I do believe you learn more about yourself in these situations and become stronger for it. Rebounding to win the bronze really showed our courage and professionalism. I have played three Olympics now, that experience is in the bank.”
In contrast, Swedish skip Anna Hasselborg is making her Olympic debut here and she has history with Muirhead in recent months.
The Scot beat her to win bronze at last year’s world championships and again to win the European title in December. But Hasselborg edged their clash in the round-robin stages here and is viewed as one of the sport’s rising stars.
While Muirhead’s focus stretches no further than today, Kyle Smith is already looking four years ahead, when he says he will return stronger after his men’s team failed to make the semi-finals.
The British skip was downbeat after losing 9-5 to Switzerland in a play-off, meaning he came fifth on his Olympic debut. “We gave it our best shot but that’s the dream over,” said the former world junior champion. “There are lots of positives to take from this and learn from.” CAN Eve Muirhead win GB’s fifth medal? Watch her curling semi-final live on Eurosport 2 at 11am today. Don’t miss a moment of the Winter Games at eurosport.co.uk and on the Eurosport app.