CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — The U.S. women’s curling team made history by defeating Canada for the first time in Olympic competition. Their thrilling 9-8 win surprised many, including team member Taylor Anderson-Heide, who said, “We just played a really good game.” This achievement is particularly notable since Canada has consistently been a top contender, medaling in every Winter Games since curling debuted in 1998.
Tara Peterson, another team member, expressed excitement about beating Canadian skip Rachel Homan, calling it “pretty impressive.” Until this match, the American women had never managed to clinch a victory over Canada in the Olympics, while the U.S. men had success in previous Games, winning against Canada in the 2018 semifinals.
This year’s team is a mix of talent and life experience. Alongside Anderson-Heide and Peterson are skip Tabitha Peterson, Tara’s older sister, and Cory Thiesse, a silver medalist in mixed doubles. Aileen Geving serves as an alternate. Notably, three of them balance curling with other jobs, and three are mothers to young children—adding a relatable aspect to their ambitious pursuit.
The women have more matches ahead in the round-robin, currently holding a 2-1 record, with matches against Korea and Sweden preceding this historic win. Their journey is drawing attention, showcasing not just their skills but also their determination as they juggle careers, family, and elite sports.
As curling continues to gain popularity, particularly among younger audiences, the team’s approachable yet competitive spirit aligns with current trends in sports. Many fans have taken to social media to celebrate the victory and express pride in this milestone.
According to a recent survey by the World Curling Federation, interest in curling has spiked over the last few years, especially in places like the U.S., where more people are tuning in to the Olympics. With their recent win, the American women’s team is poised to inspire a new generation of curlers.
This historic victory shows how moments of accomplishment can resonate far beyond the scoreboard. For more Olympic updates, check out the Associated Press’ dedicated coverage on the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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