Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: Curling Event Preview
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is generating excitement, particularly for curling enthusiasts. Team USA is eager to build upon its historical moments from past Olympics and make an impact in Italy.
Team USA Curling History
At the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Team USA’s men’s curling team achieved a significant milestone. They secured the nation’s first gold medal in curling, led by skip John Shuster. This victory marked a high point, as the U.S. previously only captured a bronze in Turin in 2006, with Pete Fenson at the helm.
On the women’s side, the U.S. team aims for its first medal after narrowly missing the playoff rounds in Beijing 2022. They are determined to make a statement in Milano Cortina.
Key Players and Teams
The upcoming Winter Olympics will feature a new generation of athletes. More than half of the 10-member U.S. men’s curling team will be making their Olympic debuts. The squad is led by skip Danny Casper, who recently ended John Shuster’s two-decade Olympic run. Casper’s team bested Shuster’s in a thrilling best-of-three trial final.
Team Casper earned their Olympic berth during a qualification event in Quebec, defeating China. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy considering Danny Casper’s struggle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This condition has impacted his mobility but hasn’t diminished his competitive spirit.
On the women’s front, Tabitha Peterson Lovick leads her team, which includes her sister, Tara. They secured their spot for Milano Cortina by triumphing in a qualification event in Canada, defeating Norway in the final. Peterson aims to improve upon her sixth-place finish in Beijing 2022.
Mixed Doubles Team
Team USA’s Mixed Doubles, featuring Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse, also looks promising. They secured their Olympic spot by winning the trials and achieving a top-five finish at the world championships. Both players come from curling families, with a rich history in the sport.
Thiesse is particularly motivated as this will be her second Olympic appearance after finishing eighth in PyeongChang.
Competition Schedule
The curling events for Team USA kick off on February 5, with the Mixed Doubles round robin matches. Notable medal match dates include:
- February 10 – Mixed Doubles final
- February 20 – Men’s Bronze Medal Match
- February 21 – Women’s Bronze Medal Match; Men’s Gold Medal Match
- February 22 – Women’s Gold Medal Match
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approaches, anticipation grows for Team USA’s curling teams. Both the men’s and women’s squads are eager to make their mark and bring home medals.
