What's Happening?
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic curling trials are scheduled to take place from November 11 to November 16 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This six-day event will determine
which men's and women's teams will represent Team USA at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Four teams in each category will compete, with the winners advancing to an international Olympic qualifying event in December. The trials will also include a wheelchair mixed doubles category, where the winner will automatically qualify for the Paralympics in March. Notably, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin have already secured their spots in Milan for mixed doubles. The event will be broadcast on Peacock and USA Network, with additional streaming available on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app.
Why It's Important?
The curling trials are a critical step in forming Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics, providing an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage. The U.S. has a history of success in curling, with the men's team winning gold in 2018. However, the women's and mixed doubles teams have yet to secure a podium finish, making these trials particularly significant for those teams. Success in these trials could boost the profile of curling in the U.S., potentially increasing interest and investment in the sport. For athletes, it represents a chance to compete at the highest level and bring home Olympic glory.
What's Next?
Following the trials, the winning teams will prepare for the international Olympic qualifying event in December, where they must finish in the top two to secure their place in the 2026 Games. The outcome of these trials will likely influence training and strategy adjustments as teams aim to optimize their performance. Stakeholders, including coaches and sports organizations, will be closely monitoring the results to support the athletes' journey to the Olympics. Additionally, the event's broadcast could attract new fans to the sport, potentially leading to increased participation and support for curling in the U.S.
