Sophie Muir will next month make history as Australia’s first female Olympic speed skater, after her selection in the 2010 Australian Olympic Winter Team was announced today.

“I knew that if I qualified for the Games, it would be historical but I wasn't really thinking about that,” Muir said from her base in The Netherlands, “I was just focused on skating faster and improving my technique.

“I feel very proud to be the first woman to represent Australia in long track at the Olympics and I hope that it will motivate more girls to get involved in this great sport.”

What makes Muir’s Olympic debut even more impressive is her unique entry into the sport and rapid rise to success.

Muir retired from competitive inline skating in 2002 after a 14 year career that saw her become a world champion, national champion and world record holder.

After finishing her degree in nursing, Muir decided to backpack around Europe and a reunion with her former inline coach in Holland saw her make a life-changing decision to join her long track program.

“I definitely never thought I would be going to the Winter Olympics,” the 26-year-old said.

“Two years ago when I was backpacking around the world, if someone would have told me where I would be in February 2010, I would have laughed at them!”

The transition from inline to ice has not been entirely smooth but her positive attitude and strong team support has seen her reach her Olympic goals.

“The only similarities that inline and ice have is the use of the same muscle groups, but the techniques are completely different and continue to be difficult for us,” Muir said.

“We have worked tirelessly at improving our ice technique and realise that there is still a long way to go before I stop looking like an inliner on the ice track.”

 “From the start, I’ve been lucky to have two great coaches, a great training squad and a huge amount of support from friends and family. I always believed that the Olympics were within my grasp, even with only a short amount of time.”

The speed skating section of the 2010 Australian Olympic Winter Team:

Sophie Muir (26)     Sydney, NSW        1000m, 500m

Note: Australia is on the list to be allocated an additional quota place in the men’s 1000m by ISU under the quota reallocation process. If this occurs, Daniel Greig has been nominated as the athlete to be added to the Team.

Note: Australia is on the list to be allocated an additional quota place in the men’s 1500m by ISU under the quota reallocation process. If this occurs, Ben Southee has been nominated as the athlete to be added to the Team.

Note: Australia is on the list to be allocated an additional quota place in the men’s 5000m by ISU under the quota reallocation process. If this occurs, Joshua Lose has been nominated as the athlete to be added to the Team.