Team GB is at the forefront of curling's technological advancements, with a state-of-the-art facility that is redefining the sport.

Upon entering the National Curling Academy in Stirling, one is immediately struck by the plethora of cameras capturing every angle of the ice sheets, from fixed positions to those suspended from cables or maneuvered by long arms.

The academy's coaches, dressed in anoraks and equipped with laptops, engage in in-depth discussions of data displayed on large screens, punctuated by the sound of granite stones colliding, as Team GB's curlers refine their skills on the meticulously prepared ice.

Located on the outskirts of Stirling, the National Curling Academy is situated within a public leisure center, where locals participate in aerobics classes and swimming lessons, unaware of the cutting-edge curling facility nearby.

However, upon passing through a side door, visitors are transported to a world where British Curling is pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence.

According to Nikki Gibson, head of performance services at British Curling, "We strive to stay ahead of the curve in terms of nutrition, physical performance, conditioning, innovation, and technology, but the competition is intensifying."

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It has been 24 years since Rhona Martin's historic Stone of Destiny in Salt Lake City, which captivated millions of viewers in the UK and marked Britain's first Winter Olympics gold in 18 years.

The perception of curling as an unusual sport, played by Scottish housewives with "daft wee brooms," was misguided even back then, and is now even further from reality.

The current Team GB curlers, representing the country in Cortina, are a far cry from this outdated stereotype, with their rigorous training regimens and scientific approach to the sport.

These athletes engage in strength training akin to sprinters, strategic planning like chess players, and nutritional practices similar to those of Tour de France cyclists.

A typical weekday for Team GB curlers begins with training at 08:30, consisting of two two-hour ice sessions and one gym session, with a focus on strength and conditioning.

Over the course of a week, the athletes participate in three strength-based gym sessions and two conditioning sessions, with many adding an extra session on the weekends to maintain their physical fitness.

These gym sessions are carefully supervised and tailored to the specific demands of curling, with a focus on Olympic lifts, such as clean and jerk, snatches, and squats.

As Hammy McMillan, a gold medal contender, explains, "We're using a range of equipment, including ski machines, rowers, and assault bikes, to condition our bodies and prepare for the physical demands of curling."

Bobby Lammie, credited with revolutionizing the physicality expected of sweepers, notes that the numbers they achieve in the gym are often surprising, even to outsiders.

This attention to physical detail has allowed Team GB to distinguish themselves from their competitors and gain a competitive edge.

A similar trend is evident in the women's game, where 2022 gold medallist Jen Dodds is lifting impressive weights, often surpassing those of her male counterparts.

According to Team GB women's skip Rebecca Morrison, "Jen is incredibly strong in the gym, and it's essential for maintaining the core strength needed to stay upright on the ice."

Morrison emphasizes that curling requires a unique combination of physical strength, balance, and strategy, making it a more demanding sport than many people realize.

The physical demands of curling are often underestimated, but the reality is that it requires a great deal of core strength, balance, and agility to navigate the ice and maintain control.

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The grueling schedule of curling competitions, which can involve playing for 17 consecutive days, highlights the importance of a rigorous fitness regime.

The demands of traveling to competitions, often to distant locations such as Canada or Asia, further emphasize the need for curlers to be in top physical condition.

To perform at their best, curlers must be fit and properly fueled, making nutrition a critical aspect of their training.

British Curling employs a nutritionist who has successfully implemented a nutrition plan that approaches food in a similar way to that of a Tour de France team.

While the specific dietary needs of curlers may differ from those of cyclists, the underlying principles of proper nutrition remain the same.

As Nikki Gibson explains, "Our goal is not to dictate what athletes can or can't eat, but to create a culture where they make informed choices that support their performance."

The nutritionist works with athletes to make small, targeted changes to their diets, such as incorporating berries into their evening routine to improve sleep quality.

This approach recognizes that athletes are not expected to be perfect in their dietary choices, but rather to make conscious decisions that support their overall performance.

British Curling also provides travel packs for curlers, which include high-protein snacks, hand sanitizers, and other essentials to help them stay healthy and perform at their best while on the road.

These packs are designed to support the athletes' overall well-being, both physically and mentally, and are a key component of the "what it takes to win" model.

This model encompasses a range of areas, including performance lifestyle advisors, who provide guidance on financial planning and work-life balance, as well as psychology and nutrition.

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The "what it takes to win" model is a comprehensive approach that addresses every aspect of an athlete's life, from training and nutrition to mental preparation and lifestyle.

By embracing this holistic approach, British Curling aims to provide its athletes with the tools and support they need to succeed at the highest level and dominate the sport of curling.

The scope of their work encompasses various aspects, including on-ice strategies, such as pre-shot routines and performing under pressure, as well as team dynamics and communication.

However, each individual is unique, making it a challenge for Gibson and her team to tailor their approach. For instance, men's alternate Kyle Waddell prefers a relaxed approach, whereas others require customized energy plans to manage their mental state before matches.

According to Gibson, a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective, as she notes, "Every athlete has different needs, and it's essential to avoid overwhelming them with too much information, as this can be counterproductive."

Gibson's primary objective is to minimize stress and distractions, allowing athletes to focus solely on competition.

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Looking ahead to the next Olympic cycle, Gibson identifies two key areas that may undergo significant changes: physicality and artificial intelligence.

While it's unlikely that current curlers will appear out of shape by the 2034 Games, Gibson anticipates that sweepers will become more physically imposing, enabling them to exert greater pressure on the brush.

She predicts that their training regimen will resemble that of 400m sprinters, with a strong emphasis on building strength and endurance.

The most substantial advancements, however, may arise from the integration of artificial intelligence.

British Curling already collects extensive data on training sessions and competitions, but the key will be to leverage this data to develop more effective match strategies, potentially through simulations of various scenarios.

As Gibson explains, "The margin for error is extremely small, with athletes expected to make 96% of their shots; one mistake can be the difference between gold and silver, making every innovation crucial."

The sport's top tier is highly competitive, and the level of dedication required may surprise many, as Gibson notes, "It's not just a matter of showing up and throwing stones; it's a demanding regimen that involves intense physical and mental preparation."

The amount of time and effort invested by these athletes is substantial, with a rigorous routine that includes countless hours of practice, strength training, nutritional planning, and mental preparation, all of which require a significant commitment from both the athletes and the support team.