Canadian Curlers Experience Comfort in Glamping Cabins and Rinks
At the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Canadian curlers are enjoying a unique blend of sports and comfort through glamping. Paul Webster, the coach of the men’s curling team, has made special arrangements to enhance the athletes’ experience.
Glamping Cabins for Canadian Curlers
The Canadian curling teams, led by skip Brad Jacobs for the men and Rachel Homan for the women, are currently stationed in trailers near Cortina. These accommodations offer basic amenities like beds, a shower, and a toilet.
- Trailers are divided into two rooms.
- Up to two athletes share each room.
To personalize their living space, Webster added special touches, including Canadian-inspired decor and blankets. He remarked humorously, “Honestly it looks like a 10-year-old boy’s room,” but the team has reacted positively to these enhancements.
Athlete Amenities and Facilities
The athletes’ village also includes various facilities to support the competitors:
- Fitness centre
- Recreational space
- Lounge and dining hall
- Massage rooms
- Prayer room
In addition to their accommodations, the Canadian curling team has incorporated several patriotic elements into their locker room at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. Webster noted the inclusion of both Canadian flair and specific team details from past performances.
Competition and Rivals
Canadian curling faces competitive pressure, notably from Great Britain’s Bruce Mouat. He is set on reclaiming an Olympic podium finish after a fourth-place result in mixed doubles with partner Jennifer Dodds. Mouat also expressed his intent to resume watching the Canadian series “Heated Rivalry” once the competition eases.
He commended the show for its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships in sports, highlighting the stories of athletes who navigate their personal lives amid competition.
Veteran Insights
Tom Brewster, a former British player and now sports manager at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, praised Jacobs’ team, noting their blend of athleticism and traditional Canadian curling styles. Brewster previously faced Jacobs at the 2014 Sochi Games, where Jacobs’ team secured the gold medal.
Jacobs’ current team includes prominent players like Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert. Their extensive experience and skills position them as frontrunners in the competition.
As the Winter Olympics continue, the combination of glamping and rigorous competition reflects the unique environment Canadian curlers find themselves in. With both comfort and camaraderie, their focus remains on achieving Olympic glory.
