In a thrilling showdown, Team USA aimed for gold in mixed doubles curling but ultimately took home silver. The American duo, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse, faced off against Sweden’s sibling team, Rasmus and Isabella Wranå, in a hard-fought final that ended 6-5.
The tension was high as the match unfolded. The Americans had several chances to take control early on but struggled to capitalize. In a pivotal moment during the seventh end, Thiesse missed the house completely while trying to set up a potentially game-changing two-point end. This put the team in a tough position.
Despite being down 4-3 and knowing Sweden had the last stone, Dropkin made a crucial throw that eliminated a Swedish threat. This shift allowed Thiesse to take a 5-4 lead, adding pressure on the Swedish team. However, a small mistake by Dropkin in the eighth end caused a crucial slip; his throw was too strong and sailed through the house without hitting any Swedish stones. Thiesse’s final attempt also fell short, leaving the door open for Isabella Wranå to clinch victory with a straightforward takeout.
After the match, Dropkin expressed mixed feelings: “Of course, we wanted gold, but Sweden played really well. I’m proud of us.” Their journey to the final was impressive—they finished third in the round-robin with a 6-3 record and narrowly defeated Italy 9-8 in the semifinals. Interestingly, they entered the final as favorites after Sweden upset a strong British team in the other semi.
This silver medal marks just the third Olympic medal for a U.S. curling team. The previous wins were a bronze medal in 2006 and a gold in 2018 by John Shuster’s team. For Thiesse, this achievement is historic; she is the first American woman to win a curling medal. “I’m honored to represent women’s curling in the U.S.,” she said, expressing hopes of inspiring future generations.
Curling is gaining popularity in the U.S., with more women participating in the sport. According to a recent report from the World Curling Federation, women’s participation in curling has been steadily rising, now making up over 40% of registered players globally. This trend bodes well for the future of women’s curling in America.
The Olympic stage not only highlights individual talent but also underscores the growing recognition and support for women’s sports. As attention shifts toward increased participation and mentoring, athletes like Thiesse are paving the way for a brighter future in curling.
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Korey Dropkin, Cory Thiesse, Team USA, gold medal, Sweden, Olympic medal
