Team GB skier Kirsty Muir narrowly missed out on a medal in her debut appearance at the Winter Olympics despite trying to seal one in style with a trick she had never attempted before.
The 17-year-old from Aberdeen is regarded as a "once-in-a-generation" talent in the skiing world, and was out to prove she was worthy of that label in her first appearance at a Games.
She was up against a tough field in her Big Air final, including eventual champion Eileen Gu who caused controversy by switching from the USA – the country of her birth – to represent China.
Muir produced a sensational performance to finish fifth overall, after landing her first two jumps before pushing slightly too hard on her final attempt as she tried to sneak into the medals.
The teenager later admitted that the trick she attempted in that final run – a Misty 1080 – was something she had never attempted before, but wanted to try it to give herself the best chance of a spot on the podium.
"Never tried it before!" she told Eurosport with a shake of her head as she explained what had happened. "I just thought I wanted to go for it so I really wanted to try and step it up, so that was the way I could."
Sadly she was unable to land the move, but insists she is proud that she attempted it and was pleased with her performance overall – especially her first jump which she nailed.
"Oh it was amazing, honestly. That's the best I've ever done it," she said as she reflected on that debut run.
"I just really wanted to go for it so I wanted to try that grab. And I'm just so happy to put it down!"
Also speaking to Eurosport was Muir's father Jim, who hailed his daughter's hard work and dedication as he watched on from Scotland.
"It's everything she does, she just makes sure she allows herself to focus on the skiing," Muir said when describing what sets his daughter apart.
"And she's happy, she's a happy girl – it's very rarely do you see Kirsty without a smile on her face, just raring to go and do her best.
"And to try and help other people, inspire other people. She'll take every opportunity to coach when she can – it's all about having fun for Kirsty.
"That's her signature. She just wants to have fun and let other people have fun as well."
Muir's first Winter Olympics are not over just yet, as she is due to also compete in the Slopestyle event which gets under way on Sunday.
