Team USA Claims Silver in Dramatic 2026 Winter Olympics Curling Final
Team USA’s curling team faced Sweden in a dramatic final during the 2026 Winter Olympics, ultimately claiming a silver medal in mixed doubles. This match took place on Tuesday, marking a significant moment for American curling, following the team’s gold medal win in 2018.
Overview of the Final
The mixed doubles final was an intense battle, ending with a close score of 6-5 in favor of Sweden’s sibling duo, Rasmus and Isabella Wranå. Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse represented Team USA but struggled to capitalize on early opportunities throughout the match.
Key Game Moments
- Team USA started strong but lost momentum in the seventh end.
- Thiesse made a critical error, missing the house completely during a power play.
- Despite being down 4-3, Dropkin made a crucial throw to shift the game dynamics.
- Thiesse successfully converted a shot to take a 5-4 lead, reversing pressure onto Sweden.
- A key mistake by Dropkin in the eighth end prevented further advancement.
Final Statistics
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Team USA | 5 |
| Team Sweden | 6 |
A Historic Achievement
This silver medal marks only the third Olympic medal for a U.S. curling team. Previous medals include a bronze in 2006 and the gold medal won by Team Shuster in 2018. Notably, Thiesse’s achievement makes her the first American woman to medal in curling.
Reflections from the Team
Despite the loss, Dropkin expressed pride in their performance, acknowledging Sweden’s skill. Thiesse shared her enthusiasm for the momentous occasion, emphasizing her commitment to advancing women’s curling in the U.S.
Conclusion
While Team USA did not secure gold, their silver medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics signifies progress in American curling. As they look towards the future, efforts will continue to inspire a new generation of female curlers.
