21-year-old Beth Farmer will make an unexpected debut at curling’s top level after responding to a last ditch call up to the Scotland team competing at the BKT Tires and OK Tire World Women’s Curling Championships that get underway in Canada today (19-27 March).
Planning for the event was thrown into turmoil when two players, skip Rebecca Morrison and alternate Fay Henderson, who had initially been called off the bench, registered positive COVID tests on the eve of the event which runs until March 27. 
Morrison, remains confident of being able to rejoin regular teammates Gina Aitken, Sophie Sinclair and Sophie Jackson on ice later in the competition, but organisers allowed them to invite Farmer to join them for their early matches, which include opening with the toughest of assignments against Switzerland, winners of the last two world championships.
Farmer, who works as a shepherd on Parks of Aldie Farm near her home in Kinross was at her day job in the midst of one of the busiest times of their year in lambing season, when she received the call.
“I had started my shift this morning then got the call at 7.30am, so I’ll be on a flight to the other side of the world later today, thanks to help from mum and dad getting me organised and to my boss Alan Sim, who is always really understanding in allowing me to arrange things so that I can train and play,” she said.
“It feels a bit surreal at the moment and I am excited to be able to help the girls out and I don’t think it will really feel real until I am at the ice rink and take it as it comes and see where we go.”
As a performance foundation athlete who trains alongside Team Morrison on the British Curling programme, Farmer is confident that she will be competitive, but admitted that it had been a scramble to find appropriate kit, dating back to an appearance at the World Junior Championships three years ago.
“I feel in a good spot,” she said. 
“Things are a bit hectic just now but I want to support the girls the best way that I can.
“All the training and the gym work and on ice sessions at the NCA all leads up to being able to step up in a difficult situation and saying yes to the opportunity.
“I’m still in a bit of disbelief that I am going to the Worlds, but I have managed to dig out Scotland kit from World Juniors and I’m ready to get into action when it counts.”
The call up came from Nigel Holl, British Curling’s Executive Performance Director, who was full of praise for the way she and those around her responded.
“This has been devastating for the players and team in Canada and we are supporting them as best we can, however what an opportunity for Beth,” he said.
“Answering a call from her country whilst lambing, with superb support from her employer and family, jumping on a flight at five hours notice… respect!”
He is meanwhile confident that Team Morrison, only two of whom – Sophie Jackson and Sophie Sinclair – have been on the ice at a World Women’s Championship previously, will show professionalism as they regroup effectively.
“The COVID challenge makes this harder on the team, but I know they are resilient determined athletes with a great coaching and support team around them,” said Holl.
“Adversity is a challenge that in sport you have to learn to deal with. I know this team will do that, will embrace Beth Farmer and represent Scotland with pride regardless.”
He noted, however, that it had been a particularly cruel blow for Fay Henderson, who missed out on opportunities earlier this season with her Scottish Junior Championship winning team, when their World Junior B Championships were called off due to COVID protocols. 
“It’s been a tough season of disappointments for Fay Henderson and her team capped off by this,” said Holl.
“We wish her the very best and will be supporting her fully and I know her time will come.”
20-year-old team skip Morrison is meanwhile looking forward to getting her own first taste of competition at this level as soon as she is cleared to play.
“I’m feeling really healthy and ready to go as soon as I can, so we’re doing everything we can in the background to make sure I will be involved in the event,” she said.
“I won’t be there for the first couple of days, but things are looking good for us, so I will make my appearance not long after the beginning and we’re still feeling really positive about that.”
She noted that as a group who initially came together at the height of lockdown and which was then involved in the innovative nine-player squad system that British Curling introduced for its leading women ahead of its golden Winter Olympic campaign, they feel battle-hardened and ready for all challenges.
“As a team, we’ve had a lot of things previously that haven’t run smoothly, so for us this is just business as usual,” said Morrison. 
“We’re used to dealing with things not going to plan. Especially with the pandemic, we’ve been dealing with this sort of thing for two years and we’re really prepared mentally for this and are a resilient bunch who are working hard every day to know where we’re at with the situation. We’ve got a clear view of what we’re doing in any situation.”
“Gina has skipped this team before, too, so we’re hoping for some good things and a good start.”
Team Scotland open their campaign against reigning world champions Switzerland’s Team Tirinzoni at 2.00am (GMT) on Sunday 20 March.
Team Scotland starting line-up (playing order TBC):
Gina Aitken - skip
Sophie Sinclair
Sophie Jackson
Beth Farmer
#curling #WWCC2022
Images: PPA/Graeme Hart
