In approximately 24 hours, the world’s most capable and well-trained athletes will compete against one another on one of the world’s largest athletic stages: The Winter Olympics. Started in 1924, The Winter Olympics have been the ultimate test of an athlete’s abilities in regards to snow and ice-related sports. This year’s Games will be held in PyeongChang, South Korea, and will feature 93 countries competing, including Great Britain. Although Great Britain has had tremendous success in the Winter Olympics, this year, we stand the greatest chance of earning medal in the curling events. Interestingly enough, the entirety of Great Britain’s curling team is composed of Scots.
According to multiple reports,the competition will be stiff at the Games, and Great Britain’s best chance at medaling is in curling; and since both the men’s and women’s curling teams are entirely composed of Scots, it’s up to Scotland to bring home the gold. Luckily, given Scotland’s proven skill in curling, there’s a high chance of that happening.
One great example of Scotland’s curling history comes from the 2002 Winter Olympics, held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Rhona Martin, from Ayrshire, served as the skipper of Great Britain’s female curling team, where she led the team to Britain’s only gold medal during the entire tournament.
This year’s female team in particular seems well-equipped to earn medal this year. Eve Muirhead will serve as the team’s skip. Muirhead’s team earned bronze at the 2014 Winter Olympics, and she is eager to improve upon her performance. Joining Muirhead is Anna Sloan, Vicki Adams, Lauren Gray and Kelly Schafer. As previously mentioned, competition is also looking quite fierce, with Canada’s team looking to retain its Olympic champion status.
Interestingly enough, the men’s curling team has a close relationship to the women’s: two of its players (Thomas and Glen Muirhead) are brothers of Eve. Kyle Smith, Kyle Waddell and Cammy Smith are also on the men’s team, and although they may not be as poised to take gold as the women are, they are still expected to earn a medal.
Scotland’s Olympic-level curlers are set and ready to make waves at this year’s Games. Hopefully, Eve Muirhead’s sheer talent and leadership can propel the women’s team to certain victory, while the men’s team can turn heads and secure Britain’s place as a major contender at the Winter Olympics. I will certainly be rooting for Britain’s best!