REVIEW Olympic men’s curling-Sweden finally gets gold, British women taste glory again
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BEIJING, February 20 (Reuters) – An Olympic gold medal 12 years in the making for Sweden’s men, a flawless Italian couple’s fairy tale victory and a return to glory after two decades for Britain’s women warmed the hearts of Beijing’s “Ice Cube” during 19 days of competition winter Olympics.
Niklas Edin’s relentless pursuit of the Olympic title came to an end when the Swede, who carries the scars after 10 operations in the last decade, finally took gold in the fourth attempt.
Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner’s victory in the mixed doubles final gave Italy a first curling medal, which paved the way for increased funding and participation before the country hosts the 2026 Winter Games.
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Britain’s Eve Muirhead needed no extra end, or a “Stone of Destiny” like fellow Scot Rhona Martin in Salt Lake City, to win the country’s first curling gold since 2002, and snatched the victory a day after the men’s team won silver.
Bronze medals for Sweden in the other two competitions together with podium finishes for Japan and Norway signaled a further change in the balance of power away from traditional heavyweights Canada.
After winning a medal in Pyeongchang – the opening gold in mixed doubles – Canada left Beijing with only the men’s bronze from Brad Gushue’s rink to show off their efforts.
“I’m sure people will talk about why we did not win gold, and rightly so,” Gushue said. “We have been a very good team for a long time … but it is difficult with all the pressure.”
Canada’s lack of success evoked unfortunate memories of four years ago, when both the men’s and women’s teams failed to win a medal for the first time since 1998.
“It’s really easy to get here when you play well, and like roll through and win a gold and a silver or whatever,” Gushue added.
“But to come here and fight like we did … and still fight through and take a bronze medal, that means a lot.”
“I would have loved to come here and do 9-0 and steamroll through everyone, but that’s just not the curling world we live in anymore.”
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Reporting by Hritika Sharma; Edited by Peter Rutherford
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.