OLYMPIC gold medallist Eve Muirhead has officially launched her new curling academy.
The new project aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of curlers, providing coaching and expertise to players across the UK and beyond.
Muirhead (below) is one of Scotland’s most decorated athletes having retired at the top with an Olympic gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
However, she has stayed involved with the sport as a coach and mentor to top Scottish and European men’s and women’s teams.
Muirhead Curling will offer structured coaching, educational programmes and safe resources both on and off the ice.
The Olympian said: “Curling has always been my passion. Growing up, I followed in my family’s footsteps, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to achieve success on the European, world and Olympic stages.
“Now, with Muirhead Curling, I’m excited to give back to this sport that has given me so much.
READ MORE: Medieval artefacts found in archaeological dig for lost Scottish castle
“Our mission is to pass down my knowledge, preserve the rich traditions of curling and help players unlock their full potential – whether they’re just starting out or looking to elevate their game.
“Curling is such a wonderful, inclusive sport that enriches lives and communities and helps a healthy lifestyle.
“I want to do my bit to make sure it grows and thrives for future generations of players.”
The venture has been praised by Scottish Curling CEO’s Vincent Bryson, who welcomed the impact Muirhead has had on the sport.
“Scottish Curling has witnessed first-hand the incredible influence athletes like Eve Muirhead had on curling, one of our national sports,” he said.
“Eve has represented Scotland and Great Britain with grace, determination and unmatched skill, inspiring a new generation to pursue excellence in the sport she loves.
“Her decision to launch Muirhead Curling is an exciting one for the future of curling in this country.
“Eve’s unparalleled experienced – marked by her Olympic, world and European medals – is complemented by her deep passion or nurturing talent and her commitment to helping others reach their full potential.
“Through Muirhead Curling, aspiring curlers will have access to top-tier coaching, mentorship and unique insights only someone of Eve’s calibre can offer.
“We are incredibly proud to support her in this venture, and we believe Muirhead Curling will become a cornerstone of curling development, both in Scotland and worldwide.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here