Eve Muirhead on Mental Health, Resilience, and Leadership
Olympic curling champion Eve Muirhead has long been seen as one of Britain’s toughest competitors — the kind of athlete who thrives under pressure. Yet behind her steely focus and gold-medal success lies a more complex, deeply human story of resilience, recovery, and leadership.
Now, as Team GB’s chef de mission for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Muirhead is determined to use her experience to help others achieve their dreams, both on and off the ice.
Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength
When Eve Muirhead led Great Britain’s women’s curling team to Olympic gold in 2022, few knew she had faced one of the toughest years of her life. Only months earlier, she battled severe depression after a series of setbacks in training and competition.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53FCURI6–g
“I’ve always been known as a strong, steely competitor,” she explains, “but we’re all human. I had to learn that asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength.”
Her honesty has already inspired a new wave of athletes to speak more openly about mental health in sport. For Muirhead, sharing her journey is about giving others permission to do the same. “If my story helps just one or two people find hope, that’s a victory.”
The Road to Olympic Glory
Muirhead’s path to Olympic success was far from straightforward. From early defeats in qualifying tournaments to battling Covid before Beijing 2022, she has faced immense challenges.
Despite those hurdles, her team went on to defeat Japan 10–3 in the gold-medal final — a crowning achievement after years of perseverance.
“It would’ve been easier to hide the struggles,” Muirhead admits. “But success isn’t linear. Every medal has a story behind it — full of highs, lows, and lessons learned.”
Looking Ahead to Milan Cortina 2026
Now 35, Eve Muirhead is focused on leading the next generation of British athletes toward success in Milan Cortina 2026. As chef de mission, she oversees preparation across all sports — from curling and skeleton to freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
“Team GB is stronger than ever,” she says proudly. “We’ve had record results at world championships, and our athletes are pushing boundaries every day. The excitement going into Milan is huge.”
Muirhead points to curlers like Bruce Mouat and freestyle skier Kirsty Muir as standout medal hopes. “We’re building not just a team, but a culture of support, belief, and excellence.”
A Champion’s Perspective on Mental Health
Muirhead’s openness about her own mental health challenges has reshaped perceptions of elite athletes. She believes vulnerability and strength can coexist — a message that resonates across sports and beyond.
“People see medals, but they don’t see the doubt, exhaustion, or moments when you question everything,” she reflects. “Talking about it helps break that silence — and makes us better teammates and leaders.”
The Real Eve Muirhead
Whether she’s sweeping ice or steering an Olympic delegation, Eve Muirhead continues to redefine what it means to be a champion. Her journey is proof that success is not about being unbreakable — it’s about finding courage in the moments that almost break you.
As the countdown to Milan Cortina 2026 begins, Muirhead stands ready once again — not just to lead, but to inspire.
