Curling Stars Aim for History at 2026 Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are coming soon. Many curling players want to do very well and make a name for themselves. Some players are trying to win a second gold medal or win their first. Countries like Canada and Switzerland have strong teams.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The Winter Games Present Elite Curlers With Opportunities for Unprecedented Success

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina approach, the world of curling is buzzing with anticipation. For some, the Games represent a chance to etch their names in history, a pursuit marked by intense training and strategic planning. Athletes are preparing to compete on the global stage, where national pride and individual legacies are on the line. The competition promises to be fierce, with established champions and rising stars vying for supremacy in a sport that demands precision, teamwork, and mental fortitude.

Top Olympic men’s and women’s curling storylines to watch - 1

Field of Elite Competitors

The Olympic curling arena will feature seasoned professionals and emerging talents. On the men's side, the quest for a second Olympic gold medal by any single skip remains an elusive goal. Kevin Jacobs, who previously skipped Canada to gold, is aiming to defy this trend. For the women, Rachel Homan, a two-time world champion, faces strong competition, notably from Switzerland's Silvana Tirinzoni, whose team dominated world championships for four consecutive years.

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Top Olympic men’s and women’s curling storylines to watch - 2

  • Men's Curling: The absence of a repeat male skip gold medalist presents a unique challenge and opportunity.

  • Women's Curling: Homan's recent world titles position her as a key contender against Tirinzoni's formidable Swiss team.

Nations Set to Make Their Mark

Several nations are expected to field strong curling teams, with Canada and Switzerland appearing as significant contenders in both men's and women's events. The United States also presents a compelling narrative, particularly in mixed doubles curling, where they have secured a silver medal. Other nations like Sweden, Germany, Japan, and China are anticipated to field competitive teams, contributing to the diverse international flavor of the tournament.

Top Olympic men’s and women’s curling storylines to watch - 3

  • Canada: Aiming to add to their Olympic curling legacy.

  • Switzerland: A formidable force in women's curling with a history of dominance.

  • United States: Demonstrating strength across various curling disciplines.

The curling schedule is designed to build excitement throughout the Games. Preliminary round-robin matches will commence, leading into the playoff stages and culminating in the medal events. For example, Canada's men's team, led by Jacobs, is slated to face Germany early on, while Homan's team will play Denmark. Specific match-ups, such as Canada versus Sweden and Japan versus Sweden in the women's and men's rounds respectively, highlight the intense international rivalries.

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Top Olympic men’s and women’s curling storylines to watch - 4

  • Opening Matches: Key matchups like Canada vs. Germany and Canada vs. Denmark set the tone.

  • Round Robin Play: Numerous games across men's, women's, and mixed doubles will occur.

  • Medal Games: Scheduled for specific dates, including February 10th and February 21st, determining the champions.

Athlete Pursuits Beyond Gold

While Olympic gold is the ultimate prize, many athletes are driven by deeper aspirations. For instance, American speed skater Brittany Bowe, already a decorated Olympian, seeks her first gold medal as she vies for a fourth Olympic team appearance. Similarly, cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is on a mission to further cement his legacy in his sport. These individual journeys underscore the multifaceted motivations of athletes competing at the highest level.

  • Brittany Bowe: A prominent US speed skater aiming for an elusive Olympic gold.

  • Johannes Høsflot Klæbo: A transformative figure in Olympic cross-country skiing.

Unfolding Narratives and Key Storylines

Beyond the quest for medals, several compelling narratives will unfold. The pursuit of individual milestones, such as becoming the first Jamaican athlete to medal in Alpine skiing at the Winter Games, adds another layer of intrigue. The presence of NHL athletes in the Olympic ice hockey tournament also promises to generate significant interest. These interwoven stories contribute to the rich tapestry of the Olympic experience, offering fans a broader spectrum of events to follow.

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  • Historic Firsts: The potential for groundbreaking achievements by athletes from underrepresented nations.

  • Professional Athlete Inclusion: The involvement of top-tier athletes from leagues like the NHL.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be in Milan Cortina.
Q: Who are some top curling players?
Kevin Jacobs from Canada and Rachel Homan are strong contenders. Switzerland also has a great women's team.
Q: Which countries are expected to do well in curling?
Canada and Switzerland are seen as top teams. The United States is also strong, especially in mixed doubles.
Q: What is special about men's curling at the Olympics?
No male skip has won a second gold medal yet, making it a unique challenge for players like Kevin Jacobs.