Scottish curler Eve Muirhead, who helped Britain win their only gold medal at this year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday and said she wants to explore more opportunities.
The 32-year-old led Britain to victory over Japan in the women’s curling final in Beijing in February, securing her country’s only gold medal at this year’s games.
She calls her career as reigning European and World Champion time.
“After 15 years of international curling and 21 international titles, I have made the hardest decision of my life to hang up my curling shoes and retire,” Muirhead said in a Twitter post.
Throughout my career, like most athletes, I have experienced both the highest highs (becoming an Olympic champion) and the lowest lows, and at times the future seemed very distant. It’s been an emotional journey, but one I’m very proud of.”
Muirhead, who also became the youngest Skip to win an Olympic medal with a bronze medal in Sochi 2014, didn’t reveal her future plans and urged her fans to “watch this space.”
“The impact Eve has had on curling in Scotland is unprecedented,” said SportScotland chief executive Stewart Harris in a statement.
“Eve’s 11 gold medals at the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships are a true testament to her dedication to curling over the years.”