Royal Visit to National Curling Academy: Team GB and Paralympics GB Prepare for 2026 Winter Olympics
The Prince and Princess of Wales are gearing up for a fun and competitive experience as they try their hand at curling for the first time. Their visit to the National Curling Academy in Stirling kicked off a busy day in Scotland, where they met with Team GB and Paralympics GB Curling teams ahead of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina. Curling has been a successful winter sport for both teams, with a total of six Olympic medals and two Paralympic medals won so far. The academy, established in 2017, has played a crucial role in transforming the training of the athletes, providing them with year-round access to high-quality ice, a resource that was previously lacking in the UK.
The recent Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics saw Team GB secure a gold and silver medal in curling, with Eve Muirhead leading the women's team to victory and Bruce Mouat's team narrowly missing out on the gold. These achievements were significant as they were the only podium finishes for Team GB in the competition. Eve Muirhead, a veteran of four Olympic Games, will now take on the role of Team GB's Chef de Mission, leading the team and overseeing logistics and athlete welfare. Bruce Mouat, the first openly gay British athlete to win an Olympic medal, will lead the same team again this year, aiming for further success alongside Olympic champion Jennifer Dodds and four Olympic debutants.
In conclusion, the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to the National Curling Academy highlights the importance of the facility in supporting the success of Team GB and Paralympics GB in curling. With the Winter Olympics just around the corner, the athletes are gearing up for another chance to showcase their skills on the international stage and continue their impressive track record in the sport.