Australian curling duo Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt are determined to make history yet again as they ramp up their campaign for a second straight Winter Olympic Games appearance. The trailblazing mixed doubles team, who became the first athletes to represent Australia in Winter Olympic curling at Beijing 2022, are now setting their sights firmly on Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026. With renewed experience, stronger performances, and an unshakeable belief, Gill and Hewitt feel they belong among the world’s elite.
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After narrowly missing the playoffs at the 2022 Olympics despite strong showings against powerhouse nations, the Australians have spent the past two seasons sharpening their skills against the best in the world. Their commitment to improvement has been rewarded with consistent performances on the international circuit, including top-tier finishes at World Winter Olympic Curling Tour events and a strong showing at the 2024 World Mixed Doubles Championship.
Building on a Historic Breakthrough
Gill and Hewitt’s road to Beijing 2022 was already a remarkable story. Coming from a country without dedicated Winter Olympic curling facilities, they overcame steep odds to qualify through the Olympic Qualification Event in late 2021. Their performance in Beijing — highlighted by victories over Switzerland and Canada — captured attention both at home and abroad, inspiring a new generation of Australians to take notice of the sport.
Since then, the duo has doubled down on their mission, spending most of their year based in Canada, where access to elite-level coaching, competitions, and practice facilities has been crucial. They have worked closely with top coaches to refine their strategy, execution, and mental toughness, all critical elements at the highest levels of Winter Olympic curling.
There’s a different mentality now, Gill explained. At Beijing, we were breaking new ground, learning every day, soaking it all in. Now, we expect to be in the mix. We know how to win at this level, and we’re pushing ourselves even harder to be ready for Winter Olympic 2026. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Olympic Curling Duo Peterman and Gallant Ready for Mixed Doubles Worlds
Gill & Hewitt: Overcoming Challenges to Become Winter Olympic Curling Contenders
One of the biggest strides for Gill and Hewitt has been in their consistency against top-ranked teams. They’re no longer viewed as underdogs — they’re legitimate threats. Their recent run at the 2024 World Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling Championship, where they made the quarterfinals, underscored just how far they have come. Along the way, they defeated several teams ranked inside the world’s top ten, showcasing their improved shot-making, tactical acumen, and chemistry under pressure.
Their rise is even more impressive considering the obstacles they continue to face. Unlike their counterparts from Winter Olympic curling hotbeds like Canada, Sweden, and Scotland, Gill and Hewitt still have to travel extensively and manage logistical challenges just to compete. Funding remains a constant hurdle, but their passion and commitment have never wavered.
We’ve had to fight for every opportunity, said Hewitt. But that also builds a certain resilience. We don’t take anything for granted. When we step on the ice, we’re there to give it everything we have. Gill added, It’s a privilege to play this sport at the highest level, and representing Australia makes it even more special. We know how important it is to keep building the sport back home too.
Mixed Doubles Olympic Curling: A New Pathway to Winter Olympic Glory
The addition of mixed doubles curling to the Winter Olympic in 2018 opened new pathways for countries outside the traditional Winter Olympic curling strongholds. For nations like Australia, where team curling is still developing, the two-player format offers a faster, more accessible entry point onto the Olympic stage.
Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt seized that opportunity with both hands in 2022, but they’re hardly alone now. Mixed doubles Winter Olympic curling continues to grow in popularity worldwide, leading to an increasingly competitive field where new contenders emerge every season.
In preparation for Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, the qualification process will be even more intense. Only ten teams will earn a spot, meaning that even highly ranked teams can miss out if they stumble at key events. Gill and Hewitt know that their journey to a second Olympics will require not just great play but also strategic scheduling, peak fitness, and mental sharpness across multiple tournaments leading up to the final qualification events.
Yet, they are embracing the challenge. It’s a sign of how much the sport is growing, said Gill. You have to be at your best all the time now. It pushes everyone to be better. Their goal is not just to qualify — it’s to contend for a medal. It would be an extraordinary achievement, but given their trajectory, it’s no longer a far-fetched dream. The first step was proving that Australians can curl at the Olympic level, Hewitt said. Now, it’s about proving we can compete for the podium.
Advocating for the Future of Australian Curling
Off the ice, Gill and Hewitt are also passionate advocates for Winter Olympic curling growth in Australia. They regularly conduct clinics, engage with junior athletes, and use their platform to promote the sport’s values of teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship.
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Representation matters, said Gill. When young athletes see that Australians can make it to the Olympics in curling, it opens their eyes to new possibilities. That’s how you build a lasting legacy. Their dream is to one day see Australia establish a dedicated Winter Olympic curling facility — a key piece of infrastructure that could accelerate the sport’s development nationwide. Until then, they continue to blaze the trail, hoping their journey inspires the next generation. Every time we put on that green and gold, we know we’re playing for more than just ourselves, Hewitt reflected. We’re playing for the future of Australian Winter Olympic curling.
Gill & Hewitt Gear Up for 2025 Winter Olympic Curling World Mixed Doubles
With the 2025 World Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling Championship on the horizon, Gill and Hewitt are fine-tuning their preparations. Each tournament brings valuable experience and ranking points critical for Olympic qualification. The pair is also focused on peaking at the right time, balancing competition with rest and recovery to ensure they’re physically and mentally ready when it matters most.
Their partnership — built on years of friendship, trust, and a shared dream — remains their greatest strength. On the ice, they communicate almost intuitively, adjusting strategies on the fly and lifting each other through the highs and lows of competition.
We know each other so well, Gill said. There’s a lot of trust out there. When you have that connection, it makes a huge difference. Hewitt agreed. We’ve been through so much together, and we’ve grown so much as a team. That experience is priceless. We’re ready for what’s next. As their quest for a second Olympic appearance heats up, Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt are not just chasing their own dreams — they’re forging a path for future Australian curlers to follow. And if their current trajectory is any indication, their best is yet to come.
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