Q&A: Eve Muirhead Reflects on Her Olympic Games Experience
Q: How would you sum up your Olympic experience?
A: We had aspirations to finish much higher than seventh, although that was where we were ranked coming into the Games. Personally, I have had the experience of a lifetime out here though and I have learnt so much that I can take forward with me for the future.
Q: What have you learnt from these Games?
A: I have certainly now experienced competing at the highest level and the pressures that brings with it, and I am sure it will stand me in good stead moving forward. The curling arena was so noisy at times, particularly if Canada were playing. That took some getting used to, but it was fantastic to compete in front of such an enthusiastic crowd.
Q: At 19 you were the youngest ever Olympic skip, how did that make you feel?
A: I believe if you are good enough, you are old enough. Although things didn’t work out as planned I think I proved I was good enough, particularly in those early wins against the World and European Champions. Everybody has to go through their first Olympics at some time, and regardless of age, the pressures are the same.
Q: What are amongst your most memorable moments?
A: Walking out onto the ice for our opening game was really cool, I will always remember that. It got even better as we went on to beat China, the World Champions, which was a real high. It is also amazing just how many people have been recognising me in the street and asking to have their picture taken with me, I never expected that. Curling is such a huge sport over here they follow it big time.
Q: Did you meet any famous people in Vancouver?
A: Princess Anne came to watch us train before the start of the Games, which was great and we met her at the Team GB reception. She was really interested in curling and said she had even given it a go. We also met the singer Michael Buble at the Vancouver Curling Club. We had our picture taken with him, which was great fun.
Q: What will you do for the rest of the Games?
A: The curling programme is so busy we haven’t had much time to see other sports, except on the television, so I hope to get a chance to do that. I also went into the International Broadcast Centre last night and was amazed to see behind the scenes. As an athlete you don’t realise just how much there is to organising a Games.
Q: Will you be aiming to compete again in Sochi 2014?
A: Hopefully there will be many more competition opportunities to come and hopefully there will be more Olympics. When I think about Sochi I will always think about the Sochi Dome here in Vancouver which lights up like a giant golf ball at night.