Eve Muirhead returns to competitive curling with sights set on 2030 Winter Olympics

Decorated Team GB curler Eve Muirhead has announced she is stepping out of retirement with her sights set on making more history at the 2030 Winter Olympics.

The four-time Olympian and Beijing 2022 gold medallist will return to competition in mixed doubles alongside two-time Olympic silver medallist Bobby Lammie. The pair previously enjoyed success together by winning the 2022 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, and will reunite in pursuit of Olympic qualification for Alpes 2030.

Four years after retiring from the sport following her Beijing triumph as skip of the women's team - which took a toll both physically and mentally - Muirhead is returning to the ice to begin a new campaign towards what would be her fifth Winter Olympics.

Eve Muirhead, pictured in action at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, is stepping out of retirement in a bid to make the 2030 GB team. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Muirhead said: “When I announced my retirement in 2022, I had achieved the thing I had worked towards for my entire career and could not have stepped away on a higher note.

“But getting to that point had taken a huge amount out of me, both mentally and physically. I had been through four Olympic cycles and had reached a stage where I needed to step away.

“The time away gave me the space I needed. It allowed me to explore new opportunities, take on different physical challenges and rediscover the enjoyment of training and competing without the pressure I had placed on myself for so many years.

“But the competitive side of me never disappeared. Over the last four years, I have continued to train, compete and push myself physically. The more time I spent around elite sport and curling, the more I began to wonder whether I still had something to give on the ice.

“I know how demanding the road to an Olympic Games is, but I am returning from a very different place. I feel refreshed, physically strong and excited by the challenge ahead. I would not be coming back unless I believed I could perform at that level again. I am excited to work alongside British Curling, focusing solely on mixed doubles, and grateful for the opportunity.”

Muirhead, who also won Olympic bronze at Sochi 2014, served as Team GB’s Chef de Mission at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, where Team GB delivered its most successful Olympic Winter Games in history.

“Watching the team compete brought back emotions that I had not felt for a long time," Muirhead added. "It reminded me how special the Olympic Games are and how much representing Team GB still means to me.”

Dave Leith, performance director at British Curling, said: "Having worked with Eve throughout her career, I know the standards, determination and winning mentality she brings.

"She has always understood what it takes to perform at the very highest level, and those qualities remain as strong as ever.

“Everyone at British Curling is delighted to welcome her back. Eve brings exceptional experience, proven ability on the biggest stage and a clear sense of purpose for the challenge ahead."

"Beyond her achievements, she has been a fantastic ambassador for our sport and an inspiring role model for the next generation of curlers. Her influence extends far beyond the ice, helping to inspire future champions and young athletes coming through the pathway. She has already made an extraordinary contribution to curling, and it is hugely exciting to see her begin this next chapter."