How Full-Time Training Changes Curling Athletes' Lives

Curling athletes train for 44 weeks a year, which is much more than many people think. This year-round training helps them compete at the highest level.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Sports |

The Olympic Spotlight and the Year-Round Commitment of Curlers

Curling, a sport often seen primarily during the Winter Olympics, demands a surprisingly consistent dedication from its athletes. Far from being a casual pastime, competitive curling involves extensive training, physical conditioning, and active participation in events throughout the year. The intense focus on the Olympics might lead to an underestimation of the continuous effort required by those who compete at the highest level, including national teams preparing for future games.

The Demands of Elite Curling

  • Curling athletes dedicate a significant portion of their year to the sport.

  • Team GB's curlers, for instance, train 12 months annually, with only a short break in the summer.

  • This implies that curlers are often on the ice for approximately 44 weeks each year.

Physical and Strategic Preparation

Beyond ice time, athletes engage in rigorous physical training. U.S. curler Korey Dropkin highlights the necessity of gym work to maintain a high level of performance and prevent injury.

  • Intense Sweeping: The act of sweeping involves bursts of high physical exertion, pushing heart rates into the 170s and 180s.

  • Comprehensive Conditioning: Training focuses on more than just arm strength, aiming for overall physical resilience.

  • Competitions: Athletes participate in numerous events, including world championships, to stay sharp between major tournaments.

The Unique Nature of Curling

Curling possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart from other ice sports. The playing surface, the ice itself, is specially prepared and is not suitable for activities like ice skating.

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  • Specialized Ice: Curling ice is not a standard ice rink; its unique texture affects the stone's movement unpredictably.

  • Equipment: Curling shoes feature a slider on one foot and a gripper on the other, aiding in balance and movement.

  • Stone Weight: The weight of curling stones is a specific factor within the game's mechanics.

Game Mechanics: Time and Strategy

The strategic depth of curling is underscored by its unique timekeeping system.

  • 'Thinking Time': A clock system, often activated by the players with stopwatches, manages the 'thinking time' allocated for each shot.

  • End-to-End Sweeping: The intense physical effort required during sweeping end-to-end is a critical component of the game.

Global Landscape and Fan Engagement

Canada stands out as a dominant force in Olympic curling, holding the record for the most gold medals. The sport also generates interest, with many clubs nationwide and a unique fashion trend of brightly colored curling pants among teams.

Conclusion

The evidence indicates that curling is a full-time athletic endeavor for those aiming for Olympic and international success. The commitment extends beyond the Olympic cycle, involving year-round training, specialized physical conditioning, and consistent participation in competitions. The sport's unique demands, from ice conditions to its strategic timekeeping, require athletes to maintain peak physical and mental readiness throughout the year, solidifying its status as a demanding professional sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do curling athletes train all year, not just for the Olympics?
Curling athletes train for about 44 weeks each year, with only a short break in summer. This constant training is needed to stay in top shape for competitions and to prepare for future Olympic games.
Q: What kind of training do curling athletes do besides being on the ice?
Curlers spend a lot of time in the gym doing exercises to build strength and prevent injuries. They also do intense sweeping drills, which are very tiring and raise their heart rate a lot.
Q: How does the ice and equipment in curling make it different from other sports?
Curling uses specially prepared ice that is not smooth like an ice skating rink, making the stones move in tricky ways. Athletes also wear special shoes with one slider and one gripper for balance and movement.
Q: How do curling athletes manage their time during a game?
Curling games have a special clock system, often managed by the players themselves with stopwatches. This 'thinking time' helps players plan their shots carefully, adding a strategic element to the game.
Q: Which country is best at curling and why are curling pants popular?
Canada has won the most gold medals in Olympic curling. Curling teams are also known for their fun, brightly colored pants, which have become a unique fashion trend in the sport.