Olympic champion curler Muirhead comes out of retirement
Olympic curling gold medallist Eve Muirhead has announced her return to competitive action in mixed doubles, with her sights set on the Alpes 2030 Games.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Eve Muirhead, 36, has ended her retirement to return to elite curling
- She will team up with two-time Olympic silver medallist Bobby Lammie in mixed doubles
- The pair previously claimed the world title together in 2022
- Former gold-medal teammate Vicky Drummond is also returning to compete as a rival
Four-time Olympian Eve Muirhead has officially come out of retirement, announcing her return to competitive curling ahead of a campaign targeting the Alpes 2030 Games. The 36-year-old will partner with two-time Olympic silver medallist Bobby Lammie in mixed doubles this season, reuniting a partnership that successfully secured the world title back in 2022.
Muirhead previously stepped away from the sport following her historic gold medal victory in Beijing four years ago. After a gruelling 15-year struggle to reach the top of the podium, she spoke openly about the mental health challenges she experienced towards the end of that journey. Stepping away allowed her to experience life outside the rink, try new physical challenges, and enjoy the sport without the immense pressure she had placed on herself for over a decade and a half.
Reflecting on her decision to return, Muirhead stated, "I know how demanding the road to an Olympics is, but I am returning from a very different place. I feel refreshed, physically strong and excited by the challenge. I would not be coming back unless I believed I could perform at that level again."
Muirhead's comeback highlights the psychological and physical hurdles elite athletes face after achieving the ultimate goal in their careers. Her dedication to maintaining top-tier fitness through rigorous international Hyrox events during her time away demonstrates that her competitive drive never truly faded, setting her up ideally for the demanding physical and mental environment of elite mixed doubles curling.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Intriguingly, Muirhead will not be the only gold-medallist returning to the ice. Her former teammate Vicky Drummond is also making a comeback to rival her in the GB Curling mixed doubles programme. Drummond, an intensive care nurse who will partner with Euan Kyle, explained that her return carries a deeper personal significance beyond athletic achievement.
"More than anything, I want my return to mean something beyond the ice," Drummond said. "I want Sophie to grow up knowing that it's never too late to chase something that excites you. If she grows up believing that anything is possible because she watched me try, then this journey will already have been worth it."
Source: BBC Sport
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