Mike Hay is well-versed in knowing what it takes to enjoy a successful Winter Olympics.
The former Perth curler was, after all, Team GB’s Chef de Mission at both Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018.
And to trace back further, he helped guide the women’s team to Olympic gold at Salt Lake City in 2002. Who could forget Rhona Martin’s stone of destiny?
Hay reflects on those special memories with a smile.
Having taken a step back for this month’s showpiece in Beijing, the former Perth High student will be glued to the television and cheering on the best of Britain across a range of sports.
Particular attention, obviously, will be paid to the curling where two of Perthshire’s own – skip Eve Muirhead and fifth Mili Smith – are vying to return with a memorable medal.
For Muirhead, this will impressively be her fourth Games and Hay’s message was clear: “You can never write Eve off”.
“She came back, won the Europeans and then was pretty commanding in the Olympic qualification,” he added.
“There are other favourites in Sweden, Canada and Russia. I think they will be very tough.
“I know Eve was bitterly disappointed in Pyeongchang. If it wasn’t going to be the final, she certainly wanted that bronze medal.
“The difference between third place and fourth is huge. You are an Olympic medallist for life but fourth place is tough to remember.
“Eve has a new team and it will be interesting to see how they play.
“But I have absolutely no doubt that she can handle the pressure and handle the big moments.
“There aren’t too many skips out there that can do that, or many that certainly have the same experience she has got.
“It’s hard to believe that this is her fourth Games. A fourth Games and she is only 31 – that is incredible.
“She is one of these unique characters who has massive determination and loves the game. She never lets you down in the big games.
“Eve will be determined and having beaten a few of the top teams at the Europeans will have given her a lot of confidence.”
For former Perth Academy student Smith, from Guildtown, this will be her first experience of a Winter Olympics.
“We’ve got a great tradition,” Hay said of Perthshire’s continuing presence on the world curling stage.
“I spent a lifetime curling with Mili’s father and played with him in the World Seniors a couple years ago.
“I know she is really excited. She is fifth player but you might get the chance. Who knows what can happen.
“I’d love to see her get a game and be part of the team that way.
“There is a well-trodden pathway in Perth and the fact they have role models gives everyone great self-belief.
“Having a venue – and a great venue – within the city is a huge thing. You get the chance from school-age to play on good ice, with good stones. It gives you an advantage if you stick in.”
Of course, Hay would love to be in Beijing to watch the drama unfold but, as noted, he will be following every shot from home.
“I would have loved to have gone to Beijing,” Hay admitted. “I did get a call to see if I would’ve minded going on the long-list.
“I will be up at all the hours watching pretty much every game Great Britain play. I’m looking forward to the two weeks.
“It feels a bit strange that I’m not there but I’m determined to watch on the television. I wouldn’t miss it.”
The mixed doubles curling competition is already underway in Beijing, although Muirhead and Smith’s first match isn’t until Thursday with an opener against Switzerland.
