Curling has officially kicked off the 2026 Winter Olympics with matches beginning on February 4 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, two full days before the opening ceremony on February 6. The mixed doubles competition is already halfway through its round-robin rounds as global teams battle for Olympic gold on the ice.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Competition Start: Mixed doubles matches began February 4, with nine days of round-robin play before medals.
- Venue: Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, the historic 1956 Olympics ceremonial site, hosts all curling events.
- Three Disciplines: Women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles competitions run through February 22.
- 10 Teams Per Event: Each discipline features 10 national teams competing in the round-robin format.
Early Action Showcases Sweden and Canada as Strong Contenders
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Sweden and Canada forced early wins on opening day of the mixed doubles event, signaling their medal intentions. Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States have built a strong 5-1 record against the 10-team field before arriving in Italy. Great Britain’s Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat matched that impressive 5-1 start, demonstrating why both teams figure prominently in medal predictions. The early results suggest this Olympics will be fiercely competitive across all squads.
Meanwhile, defending gold medalists Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner of Italy enter as the reigning Olympic and world champions, though they’ve played zero games on tour this season. Their home ice advantage at the historic Cortina venue adds another layer of intrigue to the mixed doubles storyline rapidly unfolding.
Mixed Doubles Format Creates Maximum Unpredictability
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Unlike traditional four-person curling, mixed doubles features only two players per team, each throwing two stones per end. A curling match consists of 10 rounds, called ends, with all 16 stones determining the final score. The format’s fast pace and preplaced rocks make it uniquely unpredictable compared to other Olympic curling disciplines.
| Team | Country |
| Cory Thiesse & Korey Dropkin | United States |
| Jennifer Dodds & Bruce Mouat | Great Britain |
| Jocelyn Peterman & Brett Gallant | Canada |
| Stefania Constantini & Amos Mosaner | Italy |
| Kristin Skaslien & Magnus Nedregotten | Norway |
Seven of the 10 teams boast world championship podium finishes, including four gold medalists from recent world championships. This abundance of international experience creates the most unpredictable Olympic mixed doubles event to date. Norway’s Skaslien and Nedregotten stand out as the only team competing in every mixed doubles Olympics since its 2018 debut.
“When the opening ceremonies officially open the Olympic Winter Games on Friday, the mixed doubles curling event will already be nearing its halfway mark in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.”
— The Grand Slam of Curling, Official Coverage
Unique Venue Poses Communication Challenges for Two-Person Teams
All curling events take place at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, the iconic venue that hosted ceremonies in the 1956 Winter Olympics. With over 3,000 seats in an intimate wooden arena, the noise level creates unprecedented challenges for mixed doubles teams. Non-verbal communication between just two teammates becomes difficult in loud conditions, unlike four-person teams with dedicated communicators during shots. Thiesse confirmed adjustments, stating she follows her rock closely during Dropkin’s shots to ensure sweep calls remain audible above crowd noise. Gallant acknowledged potential difficulties but expressed confidence in their hand signal system and ability to communicate nonverbally.
Will Elite Experience or Fresh Determination Win Olympic Gold?
The 2026 mixed doubles field presents a fascinating clash between established champions and hungry competitors. Constantini and Mosaner’s year without tour play contrasts sharply with Estonia and South Korea, who’ve logged 63 and 59 games respectively this season. Great Britain’s Dodds and Mouat, runners-up at last year’s world championships, represent the perfect balance of experience and recent momentum. As curling continues stealing the opening spotlight before the official ceremony, one question dominates predictions: which team will adapt best to Cortina’s unique atmosphere and convert opportunity into Olympic gold?
Sources
- Olympics.com – Official Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics curling information and schedule.
- The Grand Slam of Curling – Mixed doubles preview with team records and venue analysis.
- USA Today – Curling rules, schedule updates, and live coverage from Milan Cortina 2026.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.