The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Eve Muirhead pays tribute to the Murrays and Lawrie. Breaking the Ice
Imust admit I was fearing that going back to training might turn into an ordeal.
But, I’m happy to report that I needn’t have worried. It was much more straightforward than I had thought.
And it was only after getting back on the ice on Monday morning that I properly realised how much I’d missed it.
The paperwork was filled out before I got there. I was met by the Covid officer who took my temperature and let me in.
I’d already come dressed for practice so after that the only thing I really had to remember was wiping down my stones at the start and end of the session.
We’re only able to practise in twos at the moment, so as long as I don’t forget if I’m red or yellow stones, I’m OK!
It’s six weeks until our first tournament so there’s absolutely no problem with working in pairs at this stage, rather than a four.
We’re doing a lot of technical work with our coach and the cameras at the Curling Academy, rather than tactical preparations for competition.
It’s about laying down good habits for the season basically.
As a skip, there will be a time when I’ll want to be able to see what the other girls are doing and work on the communication side of things but we’re not at that point yet.
That’s a few days of practice under my belt and so far, my hip that was operated on has been feeling really strong and stable.
There’s no doubt in my mind now that the coronavirus break has been a blessing in disguise as far as that is concerned.
The combination of not throwing stones for months and being able to work in my garage gym on specific strengthening routines to help the hip have been beneficial. Like people in lots of jobs, it will make me think about things that I do differently when we get through this pandemic.
Lucky to have Lawrie
Maybe other countries are the same but it does feel like in Scotland we are very lucky with the top athletes who give so much back to their sport in their own country.
The Murrays have done loads for tennis at grassroots level and Andy pitching up at a kids’ class in Dunblane is the latest example.
And Scottish golf is so lucky to have Paul Lawrie.
The Tartan Pro Tour, which started in Carnoustie this week, is just what male and female pros needed to keep them going through the summer, with other events getting called off.
Nobody will make a fortune but don’t underestimate the importance of keeping your game sharp in a competitive environment.
Eight-ender target
I’ve had a go at snooker but I can guarantee you I won’t ever be threatening a 147 break like John Higgins got at the Crucible yesterday.
I’ve had one treble 20 at darts but that will probably be as close as I’ll get to a nine-darter. And I haven’t even managed a hole-in-one at golf!
I’d like to think I’ve still got a chance of that and maybe an eight-ender in curling. You do see a few of them every season. The nearest I’ve got is a seven but it was in the Olympics so that should be worth an extra point!
“We are very lucky with the top athletes who give so much back to their sport in their own country