Tag: #WinterOlympic2026 Page 9 of 27

The 2025 World Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling Championship continued on Sunday (27 April) with a thrilling second day of action that saw five teams, including Canada, Scotland, and Italy, maintain perfect records. With Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 just months away, the championship is more than a title race — it’s a critical step in preparation for Winter Olympic curling glory. The standout moment of the day came when Canada’s Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant fought back from an early deficit to defeat defending champions Sweden, keeping their round-robin record flawless and making a strong statement on the world stage.

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Winter Olympic 2026: Canada’s Comeback Against Sweden Highlights Day 2

Canada’s pairing faced an immediate test when Sweden, led by Olympic champion Anna Hasselborg, executed a brilliant double take-out to score three points in the opening end. Trailing 0–3 early, the Canadians needed to respond with composure and tactical precision — and they did.Peterman and Gallant clawed their way back by scoring two points in the second end, while their defensive setup in the third end limited Sweden to a single point. Another two points in the fourth end tightened the gap, making it a one-point game after five ends.

The critical moment arrived in the sixth end when Canada opted to use their power play. Executed to perfection, the move earned them three crucial points and swung the momentum decisively in their favor. Sweden answered with a single point during their own power play, but Canada’s solid stone placement and defensive strategy ensured that they entered the eighth end with a slim lead and the hammer. A missed final shot by Hasselborg sealed the 8–6 win for the Canadians.

We never panicked, said Gallant. This is the kind of pressure we expect at the Olympics, and we pride ourselves on staying steady. Today was another step toward Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Mosaner & Constantini Emotional Reunite for 2025 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championships

Scotland and Italy Keep Momentum Alive

Alongside Canada, Scotland and Italy also delivered standout performances to remain undefeated after two days of action. Scotland’s pairing showed their expertise in managing the scoreboard, applying pressure when needed while expertly limiting Denmark’s opportunities. By forcing the Danes to settle for just a single point each time they had the hammer, the Scots demonstrated textbook defense — a vital skill in both world and Olympic-level Winter Olympic curling.

Meanwhile, Italy’s team, featuring Olympic gold medalist Stefania Constantini, dominated their match against the Republic of Korea right from the outset. A massive four-point first end set the tone, and Italy’s aggressive play-calling kept the Koreans on the defensive all game long.

It’s important for us to bring high energy from the start, said Constantini. If you set the pace early, you control the game. That’s what we’ll need to do consistently if we want to medal again in Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026.

Winter Olympic Curling Stakes Loom Large Over the Field

The competition at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship isn’t just about 2025 bragging rights. With the Winter Olympic 2026 on the horizon, teams are focused on building momentum, refining tactics, and cementing partnerships.

Since mixed doubles curling debuted at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, the discipline has rapidly gained prestige. The fast pace, unpredictable momentum swings, and strategic creativity make mixed doubles one of the most exciting curling formats — and also one of the most fiercely contested at the Olympic level.

For nations like Canada, Scotland, and Italy, strong performances here serve as critical tune-ups ahead of Olympic qualification events and final team selections. A world title — or even a strong showing — could tip the scales when national federations finalize their Olympic representatives.

Switzerland and Norway Stay Perfect, Set to Challenge Top Contenders

While Canada, Scotland, and Italy grabbed headlines, two other squads — Switzerland and Norway — also ended Day 2 unbeaten. the Swiss, traditionally dominant across all Winter Olympic curling formats, showcased their typical efficiency and precision. Their tactical discipline and ability to capitalize on mistakes made them one of the most intimidating teams in the field.

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Norway, meanwhile, impressed with bold shot-making and aggressive play. Their dynamic style could pose problems for more methodical teams as the championship progresses. Both teams are setting up intriguing future showdowns — including potential clashes with Canada and Scotland that could preview future Olympic battles.

Mixed Doubles Olympic Curling Sees Global Growth, Raising Stakes for Winter Olympic 2026

One of the key takeaways from Day 2 is the growing depth across the mixed doubles field. While traditional Winter Olympic curling powers like Canada, Sweden, and Switzerland remain strong, new nations are making major strides. Teams from Germany, Australia, and the Czech Republic have delivered competitive performances, suggesting that the Olympic race willbe tighter than ever in Winter Olympic 2026.

We can’t take any team lightly anymore,” said Scotland’s skip. “The global level has improved dramatically. You have to be at your best every game — just like at the Olympics. Indeed, the depth of the field reflects the success of the mixed doubles format in encouraging wider international participation in Winter Olympic curling, creating a truly global sport ahead of Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026.

Winter Olympic 2026: Crucial Showdowns and High-Stakes Pressure Ahead

Day 3 promises crucial matches that could shake up the standings. Canada faces a highly anticipated showdown with Switzerland, while Scotland and Italy must navigate tricky opponent’s eager to hand them their first losses.

Consistency will be key. In a short round-robin format followed by knockout rounds, even a single bad end could derail a team’s championship hopes. Teams know that the path to the world title and to Olympic preparation glory — is full of pressure moments. And as seen already in Canada’s comeback against Sweden, the best teams are those that can thrive when the pressure is highest.

Top Teams Shine Early at 2025 Winter Olympic Curling Championship

The 2025 World Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history. Canada, Scotland, and Italy have shown early signs of championship form, but with tough matches ahead, no team can afford to relax. As Olympic dreams loom large, every stone thrown in 2025 feels heavier, every decision more crucial. And for the fans, the drama is only just beginning.

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Amos Mosaner and Stefania Constantini, the duo who clinched Italy’s first-ever Olympic mixed doubles Winter Olympic curling gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic, are gearing up for their much-anticipated return to the World Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling Championships in 2025. Their reunion at the prestigious event has been met with excitement, but also with a deep sense of emotion as the pair reflects on their incredible journey to Olympic glory and the challenges that followed.

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For Mosaner and Constantini, the 2022 Winter Olympic marked a historic moment not just for themselves but for Italy’s curling program. Their victory sent shockwaves through the curling community, solidifying their place as one of the sport’s most dynamic duos. As they prepare for the 2025 World Championships, their focus is firmly on building upon their Olympic success and showcasing their ability to remain at the top of the curling world.

The Road to Gold: Mosaner & Constantini’s Journey to Winter Olympic Curling Glory

Mosaner and Constantini’s Olympic journey began long before the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Both athletes have been staples of Italy’s Winter Olympic curling scene for years, with Mosaner having been part of the Italian men’s curling team for several seasons, and Constantini rising through the ranks in women’s curling. Their chemistry on the ice, both as teammates and friends, was evident long before they made their mark in mixed doubles.

The pair’s path to Olympic gold in Beijing was filled with challenges, from intense training sessions to navigating the complexities of international Winter Olympic curling competitions. But through it all, their unwavering dedication to the sport and to each other as teammates propelled them forward. Their victory in Beijing was a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifices, and belief in their shared goal of bringing Italy to the top of the Winter Olympic curling world. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Gill & Hewitt Set Sights on Securing Second Olympic Curling Appearance

The emotions were overwhelming when we won the gold, said Mosaner. It was the culmination of everything we had worked for, not just as athletes but as a team. We were proud not only of ourselves but of our country and the sport of curling in Italy. Constantini echoed her partner’s sentiments. Winning the Olympic gold was a dream come true, but what made it even more special was doing it with Amos. We’ve been through so much together, and that moment was everything we had worked for.

Reuniting for 2025: A New Challenge

After their historic win in Beijing, Mosaner and Constantini took some time to reflect on their Olympic success and recharge for the next chapter of their careers. But as the 2025 World Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling Championships approached, they knew it was time to reunite and focus on the next big challenge: defending their title and continuing to cement their legacy in the world of Winter Olympic curling.

After the Olympics, we needed a bit of time to process everything that had happened, said Constantini. It was a whirlwind, but now we’re both ready to compete again. The goal for 2025 is clear: we want to be at our best and show that we can continue to perform at the highest level.

The 2025 World Mixed Doubles Championships represent not just another opportunity to showcase their skills, but also a chance to prove that their Olympic success was not a one-time fluke. The competition has grown significantly since 2022, with more countries investing in mixed doubles Winter Olympic curling, and new challengers constantly emerging. Mosaner and Constantini know that their road to success will not be easy, but they are undeterred.

The Emotional Aspect: More Than Just a Game

For Mosaner and Constantini, the reunion is more than just about competing for medals. It is also a chance to relive the emotions of their Olympic triumph and the bond they have built over the years. Their friendship, built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals, is a key factor in their success.

When we step on the ice together, it’s not just about Winter Olympic Curling curling, said Mosaner. It’s about the connection we have as teammates, and that makes all the difference. There’s a deep understanding between us that goes beyond words.

Constantini reflected on the emotional weight of their return to the World Championships. Every time we step on the ice, we know it’s not just about us anymore. It’s about our supporters, our families, and our country. We want to represent Italy and continue to show the world that mixed doubles curling is a force to be reckoned with.

Building on Success: What’s Next for Italy’s Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling

The 2025 World Championships will be a key test for Mosaner and Constantini as they continue to build on their Olympic success. Their presence at the event signals Italy’s growing strength in the sport of curling, particularly in mixed doubles, which has gained considerable attention since its Olympic debut in 2018.

Mixed doubles Winter Olympic Curling inclusion in the Winter Olympic has provided new opportunities for countries like Italy, where Winter Olympic Curling is still developing compared to traditional curling powerhouses like Canada, Sweden, and Scotland. The two-player format has opened the door for nations to enter the sport at the Olympic level with less of a burden in terms of resources and infrastructure, allowing for a more accessible entry point onto the global stage.

For Mosaner and Constantini, this represents an opportunity not just to compete, but to help shape the future of mixed doubles Winter Olympic Curling and inspire a new generation of athletes in Italy and beyond. They have become ambassadors for the sport, frequently engaging with fans, sharing their experiences, and promoting curling’s values of teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship.

We want to show people that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and your partner, said Constantini. Winter Olympic Curling Curling is a team sport, and we believe that our success can inspire others to take up the sport and pursue their dreams.

Embracing the Challenge: Mosaner & Constantini Prepare for Fierce Competition in 2025

Despite their Olympic success, Mosaner and Constantini are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The World Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling Curling Championships are fiercely competitive, with new teams constantly emerging and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the ice.

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We know we’ll face new challenges in 2025, said Mosaner. The competition is tougher than ever, and there are so many talented teams out there. But that’s what makes this sport so exciting. It pushes us to be better and keeps us motivated. Constantini added, every tournament is an opportunity to improve and learn. Our goal is to keep growing as a team and be in the best possible shape heading into every competition. We want to be ready for whatever comes our way.

Mosaner & Constantini’s Continued Push for Excellence in Winter Olympic Curling

As Mosaner and Constantini prepare to reunite for the 2025 World Mixed Doubles Winter Olympic Curling Championships, their focus is not only on securing another title but also on continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in mixed doubles curling. Their Olympic victory in 2022 was a historic achievement, but they are determined to show that their success was just the beginning.

For Mosaner and Constantini, the journey is about more than just medals. It’s about creating a lasting legacy for Italy’s Winter Olympic Curling program and inspiring future generations of athletes. With their sights set on the 2025 World Championships and beyond, they are ready to continue their pursuit of greatness on the ice.

Winter Olympic Curling: Inspiring the Next Generation

Mosaner and Constantini’s success is not just about their own careers but also about inspiring the next generation of curlers in Italy and around the world. Their journey from Olympic champions to leaders in mixed doubles Curling is one that will be remembered for years to come, as they continue to blaze a trail for others to follow.

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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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There will be a new men’s Winter Olympic curling champion crowned at the AMJ Players’ Championship after Team Brad Gushue of Canada fell short of reaching the playoffs in Toronto. In a dramatic twist of fate, Gushue’s title defense came to a premature end at the hands of Italy’s Team Joël Retornaz, who edged out the reigning Winter Olympic curling champs 7–6 in an extra end on Friday.

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Winter Olympic Curling: Gushue’s Olympic Legacy Under Threat

The clash was a rematch of last year’s Winter Olympic curling final but delivered a very different outcome. While Gushue stood atop the podium a year ago, this time he bowed out of the event with four consecutive losses, marking a sharp downturn in performance. In contrast, Team Retornaz—already eliminated from playoff contention after a tough week—played spoiler with a defiant win in their final round-robin Winter Olympic curling game, salvaging pride and sending Gushue packing. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: World Mixed Doubles Olympic Curling Championship 2025

The match encapsulated the contrasting trajectories of the two teams. Retornaz’s rink had endured a disappointing string of results, but found a spark of brilliance when it counted most. For Gushue, the tournament began with promise—opening with a win over Team Matt Dunstone—but quickly unraveled. The four straight losses that followed sealed their fate and marked a concerning trend for the decorated Winter Olympic curling skip.

Grand Slam Woes Continue for Gushue

For Gushue, the loss at the Players’ Championship is part of a broader slump in the Grand Slam of Curling series. The veteran skip has now lost 11 of his last 12 games in Slam events, a stat that is nearly unthinkable for a team with such pedigree. A 15-time Grand Slam champion, Gushue has long been a fixture atop the curling world, but recent results have cast a shadow over his current form. The critical moment came in Friday’s game when Gushue, holding the hammer and a one-point lead coming home, had the chance to close things out.

Instead, he gave up a steal that allowed Retornaz to tie the game and force an extra end. In the additional frame, Gushue’s final draw came up short, conceding the decisive point and ending his championship defense.

It’s frustrating, Gushue admitted post-game. We just didn’t execute well enough all week. You can’t afford to give teams like Retornaz that many chances. while Gushue’s credentials are unquestioned, this latest setback raises questions about the team’s momentum heading into the summer and toward the 2025–26 Winter Olympic cycle.

The Road to Winter Olympic Milano-Cortina 2026: Canada’s Quest for Olympic Curling Glory

With the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 inching closer, every major event between now and then carries extra weight. For Canadian teams, especially veterans like Gushue, the Grand Slam circuit offers both a competitive platform and a proving ground. Performances here help shape Olympic team selections and overall readiness.

Gushue, who led Canada to a bronze medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and competed again in Beijing 2022, remains one of the country’s top skips. However, as the competition intensifies, the margins grow thinner. Canada is under increasing pressure to reassert itself internationally after recent Olympic disappointments in both men’s and women’s Winter Olympic curling.

European Olympic Curling Rising: A New Challenge for Canada at Winter Olympic Milano-Cortina 2026

Italy’s win, meanwhile, is a reminder of the growing strength of European curling. Retornaz’s team has been a rising force on the world stage and will likely play a central role at Milano-Cortina, where Italy hopes to challenge for its first Winter Olympic curling medal.

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The internationalization of the sport has shifted the Olympic landscape. Nations like Sweden, Scotland (as Great Britain), Switzerland, and Italy have all invested heavily in high-performance programs, narrowing the gap with Canada. Gushue’s loss to Retornaz isn’t just a blip—it’s indicative of the fierce parity in modern Winter Olympic curling.

Canada’s Crowded Winter Olympic Curling Field

Looking ahead to Olympic qualification, Canada faces an increasingly competitive domestic field. Alongside Gushue, skips like Brendan Bottcher, Matt Dunstone, Kevin Koe, and the emerging Team Carruthers are all battling for position. With Winter Olympic Curling Canada expected to determine its Olympic representatives through trials or selection events, consistency on the Grand Slam and international circuit will be paramount. For Gushue, turning things around will mean rediscovering the precision and strategy that made his team one of the most feared in the sport. His experience is invaluable, but recent performance may impact his standing heading into the next Olympic cycle.

Still, the Newfoundland and Labrador native is no stranger to adversity. Over the course of his career, Gushue has weathered slumps, rebuilt teams, and delivered under pressure. His Olympic gold in 2006 remains a career highlight, and his ability to bounce back from setbacks is well-documented. We’ve got work to do, no question, Gushue said. But we’ve been here before. You regroup, you learn, and you push forward.

Italy’s Rising Olympic Curling Power: A Dark Horse for Milano-Cortina 2026

While the tournament ends early for Team Retornaz, nevertheless, the victory over Gushue provides a confidence boost and offers a glimpse of their potential. Moreover, as the host nation at the next Winter Olympics, Italy will receive automatic qualification in the men’s curling event. This advantage gives Retornaz a valuable runway to prepare, test lineups, and refine their strategy on home ice. As the host nation at the next Winter Olympic, Italy will receive automatic qualification in the men’s Winter Olympic curling event. That gives Retornaz a valuable runway to prepare, test lineups, and refine their strategy on home ice.

The Italian skip has steadily built a world-class squad and, with home support in Milano Cortina 2026, could emerge as a dark horse contender for the podium. Their performance in the Grand Slam, even with early exits, shows they are capable of beating the best on any given day.

Retornaz’s rise parallels that of several non-traditional curling nations gaining traction. The globalization of curling has intensified Olympic competition and will make the Winter Olympic 2026 Games the most unpredictable in years.

The Road Ahead: Gushue’s Olympic Legacy and the Quest for Redemption

For now, Gushue and his team will likely take time to reassess and refocus. The Grand Slam of Winter Olympic Curling season continues, and with the Players’ Championship now behind them, eyes turn to the remaining events and the lead-up to Olympic qualification. While missing the playoffs is a blow, it’s not a fatal one. Curling is a game of peaks and valleys, and Gushue has the track record to engineer a rebound. His leadership, experience, and competitive fire remain assets that few teams can match.

But the clock is ticking. With Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 on the horizon and a hungry field of challengers nipping at their heels, Team Gushue must rediscover their spark—and fast. For a skip who’s stood atop the Olympic podium and claimed nearly every accolade the sport has to offer, the path forward is clear: return to form, or risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving Winter Olympic curling landscape.

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