The captain of Britain's men's Olympic curling team has paid an emotional tribute to his 'brilliant dad' after he died from a heart attack just 12 days after watching Team GB win silver at the Sochi games.
David Murdoch said today father, the three times Scottish champion Matt Murdoch, 70, had been an inspiration for his career and he had been privileged to have him in Russia where his team lost out on gold to Canada.
Mr Murdoch senior, a former president of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, died at his farm in Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, last night. The athlete said he was proud his father had got to touch his medal after the win on February 21.
In a statement, he said: "Myself and my entire family are shocked and totally devastated following the sudden loss of my father Matt Murdoch.
"As many within the sport may know, my dad was a 3 time Scottish national curling champion and former president of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club. He was a brilliant dad to us all.
"My mum and dad inspired me, my brother and sister to take up curling when we were youngsters and have done so much to help us all in our chosen careers in addition to helping to inspire many others to take up the sport.
"I dedicated my recent Sochi Olympic success to my parents without whom I wouldn't be were I am today. My dad will be much missed by us all and he was so happy to see me and touch the medal he has helped my whole life to aim towards.
"We thank everyone for their well wishes at this sad time and ask the media to respect our privacy.
"Our dad was much-loved - by all our family, by his friends, and by the curling community."
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