Scotland’s next mixed doubles duo step onto the world stage with confidence

This year’s ACE & Company World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship sees no fewer than six teams with both players taking part for the first time, with a couple of other relatively new combinations competing.

Many of them will feel they are taking over from strong combinations — none of them would be here if their predecessors hadn’t qualified their countries in the first place. One could argue, no-one has bigger shoes to fill than the Scottish duo of Katie McMillan and Angus Bryce.

Angus Bryce and Katie McMillan © World Curling / James Roberts

Filling the shoes of champions

While they have both been gathering experience in their careers — at world junior and world mixed level and, in Angus’s case, as a former world junior champion and world universities champion — they would be the first to admit that previous Scottish players have a more glittering track record.

They are competing in the wake of the likes of double Olympic silver medallists Bruce Mouat and Bobby Lammie, as well as Olympic champions Eve Muirhead and Jennifer Dodds, all of whom also have Mixed Doubles golds in their extensive medal collections.

Given all of this background, it would be easy for Katie and Angus to feel intimidated in what they are trying to do. However, it is a measure of their confidence and self-belief that they feel the exact opposite.

Katie said, “It’s quite inspiring. We have a good programme back at home and we were just saying at the start of the week that there’s been so many combinations in mixed doubles that have had success from the British curling squad, that makes you think you can do it, even if you haven’t been here before. So, it’s quite encouraging.”

Katie McMillan calls the shot © World Curling / James Roberts

Earning the right to wear blue

So, how come Katie and Angus are wearing the blue of Scotland this week?

Angus explained, “We won our nationals in February. The British Curling operation has so many teams that could go, so it’s judged on who they think will be the most suited at the time. We have played well in the two events we’ve played in — and won them — so now we’re lucky enough to be trusted to represent Scotland.”

Angus Bryce sweeps © World Curling / James Roberts

Angus added, “Some of the Olympians weren’t at the Nationals, but there were still a lot of top teams.”

Now that they are in the thick of the action, the Scots describe their experience so far.

Angus said, “We’re trying to make it look like we deserve to be here. Our ambition is just to get a few more wins if we can, you never know, play-offs could be on.”

Katie said, “It’s nice to be here, it’s a very good experience. Every game matters, and you get better as the week goes on, so that’s very cool. It’s been a few years since I’ve played in a world championship before this year, so it’s nice to be back.”

Katie McMillan and Angus Bryce with coach Michael Goodfellow © World Curling / James Roberts

Advice from familiar faces

As it happens, Bruce Mouat and his mixed doubles partner Jennifer Dodds have been among those giving Katie and Angus advice about how to approach this week.

Angus said, “We’ve had conversation with Bruce and Jen, who have been to events here, so they gave us advice — not on the ice because you can’t tell that till you get here — but on restaurants and the price of ice cream!”

All ACE & Company World Mixed Doubles games will be broadcast on the Curling Channel, however, there may be restrictions due to broadcast partner agreements.

Follow live scores and results here.

Join the World Curling community!