Terrific Team Muirhead have stunningly qualified Great Britain for next year’s Winter Olympics.
It proved to be a dramatic final day of round-robin action at the Olympic Qualification Event in the Netherlands.
But it was local ice star Muirhead, Vicky Wright, Jen Dodds, Hailey Duff and Mili Smith - the latter from Guildtown - who were celebrating a special, special moment.
The all-Scottish rink had thrashed Italy 8-1 in their last group stage match to cement a finishing record of six wins and two losses.
It appeared that was only going to be enough for a spot in the playoffs but Japan then suffered a shock defeat to Turkey in their closing tie. That left the Muirhead and Co level with Japan and Korea on the same record.
The top spot outcome was determined by their aggregate pre-game Draw Shot Challenge rankings.
And it was jubilation for Team Muirhead, who are now off to Beijing in February.
“I couldn’t actually watch the Japan game,” Muirhead admitted.
“I went to my room because I hate watching. I’d much rather be on the ice. The four other girls watched it and then they phoned me and the celebrations began there and then.
“It’s going to take a while to sink in, but to have booked Team GB a place on the flight to Beijing and to have the chance of going back to another Olympic Games is something very, very special.”
Muirhead continued: “We’re absolutely delighted. This is why you play isn’t it, to get a spot in the Olympic Games and for all five of us it just rewards a lot of very hard work, a lot of dedication.
“For myself, to get to a fourth Games is something I’ve dreamed of and there were times that I never ever thought that would ever happen again and for everyone else it’ll be their first Olympics, so it’s very exciting.”
Muirhead made sure to turn praise in the direction of former Perth Academy student Smith - and all who made the success possible.
“The whole team has performed well, including Mili, our fifth player, who hasn’t played any games, but has been a huge part of our team, working late checking stones and doing everything she can to help us prepare,” Muirhead said.
“We’re not a team of four, we’re a team of five and with our coaches Kristian (Lindstrom) and Dave (Murdoch) as well, we’ve all come together and been one really great team here.”
