US Women’s Curling Team Defeats Canada for Historic Olympic Victory

The U.S. women’s curling team achieved a historic victory by defeating Canada for the first time in Olympic history. This landmark match took place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where the American squad triumphed with a score of 9-8.

Historic Olympic Victory

The win is significant as Canada has been a dominant force in curling, having medaled at every Winter Olympics since the sport’s introduction in 1998. Minneapolis native Taylor Anderson-Heide expressed surprise at this achievement, stating, “If that’s true… I think we just played a really good game.”

Team Dynamics and Key Players

• Tara Peterson: From Shoreview, Minnesota, she highlighted the thrill of beating Canadian skip Rachel Homan.
• Tabitha Peterson: Tara’s older sister and team skip.
• Cory Thiesse: A technician and silver medalist in mixed doubles.
• Aileen Geving: The team’s alternate from Minnesota.

The American team, which blends ambition with relatability, includes three members working outside curling and three who are mothers. Tara is a dentist, while Tabitha works as a pharmacist, and Thiesse serves as a lab technician. Tara recently welcomed her son, Eddie, in September 2024, while Tabitha’s daughter, Noelle, was born shortly after.

Match Highlights

In their thrilling match, the U.S. capitalized on a few less-than-perfect shots from Canada. After securing the win, the team celebrated joyfully as they returned to their coaches, raising their fists in triumph. The accomplishment was extra special, as the team highlighted the novelty of their Olympic victory against Canada.

Post-victory, the American women stand with a record of 2-1 in the round-robin, having previously secured a win against Korea but suffered a loss to Sweden. They look ahead to multiple matches before the semifinals next Friday.

This victory not only marks a pivotal moment in U.S. curling history but also sets the stage for what’s to come in the ongoing Olympic competition. The team’s dynamic and accomplishments reflect a blend of skill, determination, and personal dedication.