Kirsty Muir: How Free Diving in a Frozen Quarry Forged an Olympic Ski Star

British freestyle skier Kirsty Muir made headlines at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with her breathtaking fourth-place finish in the slopestyle final - a result that veteran commentator James Woods described as 'devastatingly close to the podium' in TNT Sports' coverage.

The Aberdeen-born athlete credits an unusual training regimen for her competitive edge: plunging into a 56ft-deep quarry filled with freezing water. As reported by Aberdeen Live, these intense free diving sessions helped Muir conquer competition nerves through breath control and mental discipline.

'When you're 17 meters underwater in pitch darkness, you learn to stay calm under pressure,' Muir told Daily Mail Sport. This unorthodox preparation translated beautifully to the slopes, where her composure during complex aerial maneuvers impressed judges and spectators alike.

Though narrowly missing Olympic bronze, Muir's performance at Cortina marked her as one of freestyle skiing's most exciting talents. Her journey from Scottish ski resorts to Olympic podiums continues to inspire winter sports enthusiasts worldwide.