Sweden Defeats U.S. in Women’s Curling Opener at 2026 Winter Olympics
Sweden commenced their campaign for a third Olympic medal with impressive victories on the opening day of the women’s curling event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Skipped by Anna Hasselborg, the team showcased their skill by defeating both Japan and the United States on February 12, 2026.
Sweden’s Strong Start in Curling
In the first match, Sweden triumphed over Japan, securing an 8-4 victory. They then faced the United States, where the competition heated up at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. This encounter highlighted both tactical play and strategic decision-making, showcasing the high stakes of Olympic-level curling.
Match Summary: Sweden vs. United States
- First End: The match opened with a blank first end.
- Second and Third Ends: Teams exchanged single points.
- U.S. Leads: A strategic play by Tabitha Peterson gave the U.S. a 2-1 lead.
- Fifth End: Sweden scored two points, shifting the momentum.
- Steals:
- First: Sweden executed a steal, gaining control of the game.
- Second: A crucial single steal in the ninth end boosted Sweden to a 6-4 lead.
- Final End: Despite Peterson’s efforts, the U.S. could not close the gap, leading to a final three-point score for Sweden.
Reactions from the Swedish Team
Anna Hasselborg reflected on the match, expressing her delight in competing and connecting with her teammates. She emphasized the importance of patience and adaptability, stating, “We talked about going in and being very patient and continuing to learn the ice.” Her enthusiasm for the Olympic environment was palpable as she described it as fun and reminiscent of a summer camp.
Sweden’s strong opening performances position them as a formidable contender in this Olympic curling tournament, with hopes for continued success as they aim for their third medal.
