Scottish Skier Kirsty Muir Reveals Unusual Freediving Training Method for Olympic Success
Scottish freestyle skier Kirsty Muir has unveiled an unconventional training approach that has significantly enhanced her mental focus as she prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. The 21-year-old athlete, widely regarded as one of Team GB's strongest medal contenders for the February Games, believes her preparation has extended far beyond traditional snow and slope training.
From Ski Slopes to Underwater Depths
Muir's innovative preparation involved participating in freediving sessions at a quarry in Cornwall last year. This underwater challenge was specifically designed to test and improve her breathing techniques, calmness under pressure, and overall mental resilience. According to the skier, this unique experience has played a crucial role in enhancing her performance capabilities when facing high-pressure competitive situations.
The Freediving Journey: From Breathing Exercises to Deep Dives
Muir explained that her coach Joe Tyler organized several structured freediving sessions that progressed through multiple stages:
- Initial breathing exercises performed while lying on the floor
- Practice sessions in a static tub using a snorkel
- Advanced training without snorkel, requiring her to remain face down in water while holding her breath and maintaining complete calm
In an interview with BBC Scotland, Muir revealed she eventually achieved the impressive feat of holding her breath for three full minutes. She described the surprising sensation of time passing quickly during these exercises, noting that she felt remarkably relaxed and completely focused without any distracting thoughts.
Quarry Dive: The Ultimate Test
The final phase of her freediving training took place in a quarry, where Muir descended along a line to depths between 15 to 17 metres. She characterized this experience as both intense and fascinating, acknowledging that while small fears naturally emerged, she learned to consciously relax her body. Most importantly, she discovered she didn't need to rush back to the surface but could instead reset herself calmly and continue the dive.
Translating Underwater Lessons to Ski Performance
The three-time World Cup gold medallist believes these freediving lessons have directly translated to improved skiing performance. Muir explained that she now performs better when relaxed, and this mindset has become an integral part of her competition routine. Previously prone to feeling overly pumped up before events, she now focuses on deep breathing techniques, centering herself mentally, and visualizing her runs with greater clarity.
Growth Since Beijing 2022
Muir has demonstrated significant personal and athletic growth since her Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Games, where she competed at just 17 years old. Her journey has included overcoming a serious knee injury and shoulder surgery, followed by an impressive comeback that saw her win Big Air World Cup gold in China last November and secure another victory in Aspen earlier this month.
With multiple finals appearances already to her credit, Muir recognizes that a podium finish at the upcoming Winter Olympics is within reach. However, she maintains that her primary goal remains straightforward: to focus entirely on her skiing performance and let all other considerations fade into the background as she prepares to compete at the Livigno Snow Park.
