Third Olympic Games coming around fast for Muirhead and Team GB

The skip has long been selected as part of Team GB's curling rink, set for her third Winter Games after getting the nod for both Vancouver 2010 and Sochi four years later.

That last outing in Russia also saw Muirhead become the youngest skip to win an Olympic medal, securing bronze, with a World Championship medal of each colour also part of her collection.

But PyeongChang will see the 27-year-old have a rather different experience, with her brothers, Glen and Thomas, forming part of the men's rink in a true family affair on the ice.

But while Muirhead is a dab hand at the four-year Games countdown, even she was caught unawares at there being less than three weeks to go until the opening ceremony in South Korea.

"Having been involved in a number of four-year cycles before this one, it is surprising how quickly the Games come around," said Muirhead, who will team up with Anna Sloan, Vicki Adams, Lauren Gray and alternate Kelly Schafer.

"As a team we have pulled together all of our hard work into this last period to ensure we are the best prepared we can be for the biggest event of our careers.

"Being part of Team GB is a huge honour and we are really looking forward to being part of that big multi-sport environment again where everyone collectively is supporting each other to reach their lifetime goals and achievements."

Selection for both the men's and women's rinks were confirmed last June, but the reality of the situation is only just sinking in for Kyle Smith.

The men's skip will make his Olympic Winter Games debut in PyeongChang, having led the team to a maiden Grand Slam final and a European silver in November during a stellar 2017.

Those achievements will pale in comparison to what could come their way in South Korea in just a few weeks' time, however, with Smith – alongside the two Muirhead brothers, Kyle Waddell and Cammy Smith – keen to revel in the experience.

"This has been our dream to compete on curling’s biggest global stage and since selection last June it has been an exciting time for our team," said Smith.

"We are looking forward to kitting out – getting our Team GB kit will be a hugely exciting time for all of us and it is milestones like that that make your realise just how real and close the Games are.

"We are now looking forward to going out and competing with Team GB on our backs for the first time, aiming to make everyone back home proud of us."

Sportsbeat 2018