Cory Thiesse from Duluth, MN, and her teammate Korey Dropkin from Southborough, MA, are set to compete for the gold medal in mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Regardless of the outcome, Thiesse has already etched her name in Olympic history as the first female curler from the United States to secure an Olympic medal.
Reflecting on her groundbreaking achievement during the post-game press conference, Thiesse expressed her hope to inspire future generations. “It’s been a long time coming, having a woman on the podium for USA Curling here at the Olympics. I know how important it was for me to have people to look up to when I was growing up, so I just hope I can be that kind of inspiration for any young girls in curling or any sport. Dream big and work hard to achieve your goals,” she said.
Thiesse’s mother, Linda Christensen, voiced her immense pride in her daughter’s dedication and success. “Knowing how hard she has worked to be the best curler she can be makes earning an Olympic medal all the more special. To be the first American woman to medal in curling speaks to her level of commitment. I’m so proud of her,” she stated.
Since the introduction of mixed doubles curling at the Winter Olympics in 2018, American women have been striving for recognition in the sport. The United States has been represented in women’s curling since 1998, when it returned to the Olympic Games after a significant absence.
Thiesse has proven her prowess as one of the top mixed doubles players globally. Alongside Dropkin, she recently clinched the 2023 World title and also secured a bronze medal at the 2019 World Mixed Doubles Championship with John Shuster, the 2018 Olympic gold medalist. After the 2022 Games, Thiesse teamed up with Dropkin, a Massachusetts native who now resides in Duluth.
In their quest for gold, Thiesse and Dropkin will face the Swedish team of Isabella Wrana and Rasmus Wrana in the final match. The American duo managed to defeat the Swedish couple during round-robin play with a final score of 8-7. Additionally, Thiesse has the opportunity to earn a second medal at these Games, as she is set to compete in women’s curling with Team Peterson in the third position.
For more information on curling events in the United States during the Olympics, fans can visit the Olympic Hub on the USA Curling website. This remarkable achievement by Thiesse not only shines a light on her exceptional talent but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young athletes, particularly girls, pursuing their dreams in sports.