Stirling-based Olympic curling coach David Murdoch has been recognised for his dedication to the sport after being named High Performance Coach of the Year at the 2022 sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards.
The sportscotland COV Awards celebrate all those who break down barriers, inspire and enhance the lives of others through sport, and recognise the commitment of those who apply their own time and effort to make sport accessible to all.
The Olympic Head Coach for British Curling with the British and Scottish Curling World Class Olympic Programme, David Murdoch led the teams to make history in the 2021-22 season, with a series of impressive wins.
Under the talented coach, GB athletes became Mixed Doubles World Champions and Scotland’s men and women’s teams scooped European gold medals – something which has never been achieved before in the same season.
David’s coaching regime also saw Team GB’s women’s team qualify for the 2022 Beijing Olympics Games at the last minute and ultimately win gold, with the men’s team also taking silver.
Along with his coaching colleagues, David is known for challenging his athletes in new and innovative ways and his determination has paid off over the last year.
David Murdoch said: “It’s been a really busy four years in my role as Olympic Head Coach and I’ve been lucky enough to be part of some great successes with the coaches that we have in British Curling. The athletes have really delivered on the world stage, with the highlight being last February in Beijing. I was hugely proud of them for what they achieved, it was brilliant not just for us coaches that work with them, but also the whole support staff and British Curling as a whole.
“I’m very honoured to receive this award, I’ve had huge support in my career from British Curling and sportscotland who have guided me through my job as Head Coach, and I couldn’t have done it without all our coaches and athletes who have been a pleasure to work with.”
Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said: “Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements and moments that are taking place every day and congratulate those who are making an incredible commitment to Scottish sport.
“Across Scotland, there are thousands of sporting enthusiasts who recognise the impact that sport and teamwork can have on our lives. The people we are celebrating have taken that recognition and turned it into life-changing ambition.
"Individuals like David have dedicated their time to helping others realise their sporting potential on the world stage.”
This year sees the awards return for the first time since 2019, with sportscotland receiving 320 nominations covering 30 different sports across 31 local authorities. People keen to recognise the invaluable contributions of selfless coaches, officials and volunteers working across a range of sports the length and breadth of the country submitted their nominations earlier in the year.
The COV winners were invited to attend a presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers as a thank you for their continued work and dedication.
Find out more
Find out more about all the COV Awards 2022 winners
