The United States' mixed doubles wheelchair curling team, featuring Steve Emt and Laura Dwyer, has begun their Paralympic campaign with a decisive 11-6 victory over Latvia. This opening win, secured on the ice in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, signals a strong start for the duo in the newly added mixed doubles discipline.
The team's strategy hinged on building an early lead and controlling the latter stages of the game, a plan executed effectively against the Latvian opponents. A critical moment arrived in the seventh end when Emt's precise draw edged the U.S. ahead 7-6, setting the stage for the final frame. Dwyer’s contributions were also significant, with a crucial draw in an earlier end turning a potential single point into two, establishing a 3-0 lead for the Americans. This win is part of a larger narrative for U.S. Curling at these Games, as the nation aims to secure its first medal in the sport, having previously achieved a fifth-place finish in 2022.
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Building Trust on the Ice
The partnership between Emt and Dwyer, honed over the past two years, appears to be a key factor in their performance. Sources suggest their connection is built on a foundation of "a lot of trust, a lot of respect, and a lot of lifting each other." This bond seems to translate into tangible results, with Emt’s confidence in Dwyer evident even from their early days. He reportedly encouraged her to "keep throwing stones," even when facing challenges.
Dwyer, a Wisconsin native who now trains with Emt, has developed her own rituals and mental fortitude. What once required a "sticky note" for confidence has seemingly become ingrained, a mental reminder carried with her onto the ice. This internal focus is something Emt has also worked on, with check-ins after matches aimed at managing his own perceptions and "control what he could control."
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A History of Competition
Steve Emt, a seasoned athlete, brings a wealth of experience to the Paralympic ice. This marks his third Paralympic Games in curling. His athletic journey prior to wheelchair curling included a stint as a walk-on for the UConn men's basketball team under coach Jim Calhoun, demonstrating a history of competitive drive. Emt’s dedication is underscored by his relocation to Wisconsin 2.5 years ago to focus on his training. His path to curling was not without significant adversity, including a serious car accident that occurred while he was driving under impaired conditions.
The Paralympic Context
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games mark the official kickoff of the wheelchair curling competition. The sport itself debuted in the Paralympics in 2006, with the mixed doubles format being a recent addition following the 2022 Beijing Games. The Curling Stadium in Cortina is the venue for this year's events. Fans can follow the U.S. team’s progress through coverage on Peacock and the NBC family of networks. The U.S. team comprises a mix of experienced athletes and newcomers, having navigated the "intense pressure" of Olympic Trials.
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