USA men pull off surprising upset in curling, boosting chances for medal round
The victory tasted especially sweet for the United States’ curling team at the Winter Olympics. In a decisive 8-5 triumph over the reigning gold medal champions, Sweden, Team USA catapulted themselves into a tie for third place with a stellar 4-2 record, securing their spot in the highly anticipated medal round.
The win against Sweden was particularly significant, with commentators labeling it a “statement” win. American curler Ben Richardson emphasized the team’s unwavering determination to clinch victory, stating, “We’re here to win, and that’s been our goal. Thankfully, we’ve secured some wins now.” The impressive feat was achieved by a young American team with all four players under the age of 27, making them the youngest men’s team at the tournament.
The victory against the Swedish team, known for their experience in curling, was a testament to Team USA’s skills and determination. The pivotal moment came in the fourth end when a Swedish error provided an opening for the Americans to take a commanding lead. New York native Danny Casper capitalized on the opportunity, securing a 4-2 lead for the United States.
The Americans maintained their momentum throughout the game, ultimately toppling the reigning gold medalists. With 39 takeouts and an impressive team shooting accuracy of 84 percent, Team USA demonstrated their prowess on the ice. While the second game against Norway proved to be more challenging, the American team rallied to secure a hard-fought victory in the 10th end.
The impressive start at the 2026 Winter Olympics marks the best performance by a U.S. team since the 2006 Games when the men achieved a remarkable 5-1 record through the first six matches and went on to win the bronze medal. The last medal victory in men’s curling for the U.S. came in 2018 when they clinched gold in Pyeongchang.
As the American curlers prepare for their upcoming matches, they are relishing a well-deserved day off to recharge and refocus. Team member Casper expressed excitement for the break, highlighting the confidence that the team feels moving forward. With determination and a strategic mindset, Team USA aims to continue their upward trajectory and further solidify their position as contenders in the Winter Olympics curling competition.