Olympian Mili Smith shares delight at featuring in "amazing" new Perth mural honouring elite athletes

Perthshire Olympian Mili Smith revealed it was a special surprise to be featured in the “amazing” new mural honouring four of the region’s elite athletes.

The large-scale, colourful and eye-catching mural was recently finished by Glasgow-based artists Rogue-one (graffiti) and Ali Smith.

The installation sits on the north facing gable wall adjacent to the building at 288-294 High Street and can be viewed from Caledonian Road.

Alongside Smith, from Guildtown, the mural shines the spotlight on fellow curling gold medal star Eve Muirhead as well as track talents Eilidh Doyle and Laura Muir.

Former Perth Academy student Smith always hoped to rise through the curling ranks and achieve international success.

She did just that by being part of the gold medal-winning Team GB squad at the Beijing Winter Olympics last year.

Smith did not, however, ever predict that her face would prominently appear on a building in Perth city centre!

“I certainly never predicted anything like this,” Smith smiled.

“There have been some incredible experiences since the Olympic Games in 2022.

“This is one of many highlights and I’m so grateful for it. It’s pretty special to see and lovely how many people have noticed it and commented on how fantastic it is.”

Smith was being inundated with messages from friends when the mural was in its early stages and starting to take shape.

“In the early stages of it being painted, some of my friends sent photos asking if it was me,” she told the PA. “I couldn’t wait to see the end result.

“And, when I saw the finished piece with colour and detail, I was delighted with it. I still can’t believe the artist did it by hand - so talented. It was such a good surprise to see the mural.”

The consensus among all four