After two matches, Canada’s curling team led by Rachel Homan finds itself in a challenging position with a record of 1-1 at the Winter Olympics. This initial schedule presented an opportunity for Homan and her teammates—Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes—as they faced teams they historically performed well against, namely Denmark and the USA. Homan boasted a 15-3 record against these opponents before the Olympic games began.
However, the Canadian team has struggled to meet expectations, with recent performances falling short of the mark. In terms of individual player performance, Homan’s team ranks low among the participating countries after two matches. Wilkes, Miskew, Fleury, and Homan currently sit at 10th, 9th, 8th, and 6th positions respectively, based on their shooting percentages.
Reflecting on the disappointing 9-8 loss to the USA, which marked a historic first defeat for Canada in women’s Olympic curling against them, Homan emphasized the need for improvement. “Just not making the shots we normally make,” she remarked, expressing the team’s awareness of the high stakes involved.
This is Homan’s third Olympic appearance, having previously represented Canada in 2018 and 2022. On both prior occasions, the results were similar, as she averaged 78% in 2018 and 72% in mixed doubles last year, ultimately missing the playoffs each time. The weight of expectations is considerable, but there is hope because when Homan is on form, she showcases skills unmatched in the sport.
Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Americans, Homan’s team exhibited resilience and a positive attitude, which will be crucial moving forward. They acknowledge the necessity to elevate their game while also maintaining morale in order to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
The day was eventful for the Canadian teams, with several matches taking place. The results showed a range of competitive dynamics, illustrating the unpredictability of Olympic curling. Notably, Brad Jacobs and his men’s team also had a memorable day, maintaining a strong performance as they seek to reclaim gold for Canada after their last victory in 2014.
Looking ahead, there is a palpable excitement for the upcoming matches. Homan’s team is set to take on Great Britain and Switzerland, while Jacobs’ team faces Switzerland in their only game. As the curling tournament continues, the hope remains that the teams can harness their skills and combat the pressures of the Olympic stage successfully. The Olympic curling fervor not only showcases athletic prowess but also fuels the growth and interest in the sport worldwide, promising a bright future for curling as it gains popularity on the global stage.