Dramatic exit for GB as womens curling hopes end despite victory
Great Britain's women's curling team produced a battling performance to beat Italy 7-4 but were eliminated from medal contention after a late thriller elsewhere in the draw. The United States forced an extra end and prevailed 7-6 over Switzerland, a result that closed the door on the defending champions despite their win.
How the day unfolded: clutch shots and cruel math
The British rink delivered a composed display against Italy, closing out a 7-4 win that kept their slim hopes alive until other results fell their way. Strong sweeping and timely takeouts helped them control the scoring in the mid-ends and convert opportunities late in the game.
But curling’s fine margins proved decisive for Great Britain. In a separate, dramatic clash, the United States forced extra play against Switzerland and prevailed 7-6 after a tense final exchange. That single result left the defending Olympic champions on the wrong side of the qualification math and ended their tournament run, even as they left the ice with a victory in hand.
Turning points and standout moments
The competition featured a string of high-pressure shots. Earlier in the round-robin phase, Great Britain had edged the United States 8-7 when a late steal swung the match, illustrating how tiny errors and brilliant executions can change entire playoff scenarios. One-time Olympian Rebecca Morrison executed a pivotal shot in that match, threading a guard and spinning a stone into scoring position to turn the end around.
For the United States, the ability to win tight encounters has been key. Their narrow win over Switzerland required precise draw weight and clutch takeouts, and the extra end win underscores the depth of resilience in their squad. US skip Tabitha Peterson reflected on the narrow margins and the need to move quickly from defeat to focus on the next task, stressing a short-term, one-shot-at-a-time approach.
What this means going forward
The elimination of Great Britain reshuffles the final picture for the womens curling playoff race. Teams that survive the round-robin stage will shift their focus to seeding and matchups, while those now eliminated will turn attention to rebuilding and targeting the next Olympic cycle.
For the United States, the late victory is a lifeline that keeps their semifinal ambitions alive and shows they can win the close games that matter. For Great Britain, there is disappointment but also clear promise: they were a newly assembled unit that fought through a tricky schedule and showed they can compete at the highest level. Observers and teammates will hope the group stays together and uses this experience as a foundation for the next quadrennial.
With medals and playoff places decided by inches and split-second judgment, the womens curling competition at these Games has reinforced curling’s reputation as a sport of razor-thin margins and big moments. Teams now regroup, review the fine details and set targets for the remainder of the Olympic programme and beyond.
