Who is Kirsty Muir? Scottish skier opens up on her freediving edge heading into Winter Olympics 2026

Scottish freestyle skier Kirsty Muir has revealed that an unusual training method has helped sharpen her focus ahead of the Winter Olympics in Italy. The 21-year-old is one of Team GB’s strongest medal hopes for the Games in February. She will compete at the Livigno Snow Park, aiming to turn her growing experience into Olympic success.

Muir believes her preparation has gone beyond snow and slopes. Last year, she took part in freediving sessions in a Cornwall quarry. The underwater challenge tested her breathing, calmness, and mental strength. According to Muir, the experience has played a key role in improving how she performs under pressure.

Freediving lessons shape Kirsty Muir’s Olympic mindset ahead of Milan Cortina Games

Kirsty Muir explained that her coach Joe Tyler organised several freediving sessions. They began with breathing exercises while lying on the floor. The next step was practising in a static tub with a snorkel. After that, the snorkel was removed and she had to stay face down in the water while holding her breath and staying calm. Speaking to BBC Scotland, she said she eventually managed to hold her breath for three minutes. When she came up, her coach even joked that her lips had started turning blue. Muir found it surprising how quickly time passed. She said she felt relaxed and fully focused, without needing to think about anything else.

The final test took place in a quarry. Muir went down a line to a depth of around 15 to 17 metres. She described the experience as intense but fascinating. Small fears came into her mind, but she had to relax her body. She said she learned that there was no need to rush back to the surface. Instead, she could reset herself and continue calmly.

The three-time World Cup gold medallist believes those lessons have translated directly to skiing. She said she performs better when she is relaxed, and that mindset has now become part of her competition routine. Before, she used to feel too pumped up. Now, she focuses on deep breathing, centring herself, and visualising her run. She believes this calm approach helps her concentrate better during competitions.

Muir also feels she has matured since the 2022 Beijing Games, where she competed at just 17. Since then, she has overcome a serious knee injury and shoulder surgery. Her comeback has been impressive. She won Big Air World Cup gold in China in November and added another win in Aspen earlier this month. With finals appearances already behind her, Muir knows a podium finish is possible. Still, she says her main goal is simple: focus on skiing and let everything else fade away.





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