“We control what we put in our own body” - An interview with Eve Muirhead OBE

Eve Muirhead OBE is Team GB’s Chef de Mission for Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and sat down with UKAD to discuss clean sport and UKAD's Clean Games Education.

What motivated you to start curling, and when did you first go pro?

So I started curling when I was about 9 years old. My dad was a World Class Curler and watching my dad compete, I wanted to give it a shot. As soon as we got the chance to go on the ice, me and my brothers were hooked to that. Becoming pro was slow progress and it was very tough to get a breakthrough, as it is for many athletes. The first few years I had to make a lot of difficult choices. I absolutely loved the sport from a young age and I was determined to make it to the top.

My dad was also my coach for a time, but he was never a pushy parent. It was always my decision to do what I did. He coached us to a lot of great success and he definitely kicked me off in the right direction.

Why is it important that everyone in elite sport supports clean sport?

It is very important and I am very passionate about clean sport. It comes down to fairness and respect, but clean sport creates a level playing field for athletes. The education from UKAD helps push forward that message. UKAD does the education very well around clean Games and clean sport.

All the athletes selected for Team GB for the YOG will go through their clean sport education and Clean Games Workshops before flying out to Gangwon. Even the staff, like myself will go through the education. I think it is important to drum how essential the education is. A lot of the time if an athlete were to make a mistake, it is a silly mistake and these Clean Games Workshops cover all basis. When you're young it is best to learn everything that you can. If the education is there, there is no excuse not to follow the rules.

Can you recall your first experience of clean sport education, and your first test?

I think I can. I played my first World Juniors in 2007 and prior to that I got into the National Academy so I must have been about 14 or 15 years old. That was probably my first time being educated on anti-doping.

I think one of my first tests was in 2008 at the World Junior Champs. I still remember it. I couldn’t produce a sample for ages and the poor chaperone was with me for a while. I was drinking lots of water, and you think, drinking water is the right thing to do, but… sometimes it is not the right thing to do. It was an experience. You’re a bit nervous, you’re a bit apprehensive about what’s going to happen. Because I’d gone through that education and acquired that knowledge [about Testing] I knew what to expect. So yes, it was an experience but once you go through that first time, every time after is much easier.

What do you think to UKAD’s Squeaky the duck, our Major Games Education Mascot?

The Squeaky duck, I put Squeaky in the same bracket as anti-doping. Right through my education, I always got a Squeaky duck, so for me, the duck reminds me of clean sport.

In your highly successful career as a curler, what values motivated you and underpinned your approach to participating in elite sport?

What values come to mind? Well as a competitive athlete, I focus on my performance and the team’s performance and we always value what the team is doing. Trust is important. We trust each other and support each other. In terms of the opposition, and who you’re up against, that is beyond your control, you have to hope that each athlete is a clean athlete. What we can control as an individual, is what we put in our own body.

Why is it important that individuals speak out and do come forward when they have concerns about doping in sport?

It is essential that people do come forward. I think whistleblowing can be bit like our personal mental health and wellbeing, perhaps many of us keep quiet out of embarrassment. It is a good step forward from UKAD to make reporting anonymous. Individuals should not feel embarrassed to tell UKAD when something is wrong.

What is your message for all the young athletes preparing for the Winter Youth Olympic Games?

Go through the clean sport education and take it all in. Make sure you have a note of any medications and prescriptions you do take, and a supply of them while here in the UK from your doctor - don’t rely on getting these meds while out in South Korea. And my second message is check everything you take.

Anti-doping is your own responsibility, so don’t rely on others.