CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Duluth’s Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin began their Sunday on a high note, clinching a return to victory and ultimately securing a spot in the playoffs for the United States mixed doubles curling team. This achievement marks a historic moment, as Team USA is now guaranteed a medal in an event where American teams have not medaled in the previous two Olympic Games.
The journey to the playoffs included a narrow 5-3 win against Estonia and a thrilling 8-7 victory over Sweden. The match against Estonia’s Marie Kaldvee and Harri Lill was particularly noteworthy for its low score, being the quietest of the tournament thus far. It was also the first Olympic mixed doubles match since 2018 in which neither team recorded multiple points in any single end.
Throughout the Estonian match, both teams exchanged single-point scores during the first six ends. Thiesse’s pivotal shot in the sixth, where his last rock deflected off an Estonian guard, led to a successful steal for the Americans in the seventh end, which put Team USA ahead 4-3. In a tense conclusion, Kaldvee missed her final target, solidifying the American win.
The match against the Swedish team, comprised of siblings Isabella and Rasmus Wrana, showcased a more dynamic gameplay. After both teams scored three points in their initial attempts, Team USA managed to fend off the Swedes, ensuring they could lead 6-4 at the halfway mark. Thiesse’s strong play propelled the Americans further ahead with a steal in the fifth end. Although Sweden rallied to tie the game in the sixth and seventh ends, a remarkable final shot by Dropkin redirected three Swedish stones, forcing Sweden to concede before Thiesse threw the last rock.
Team USA’s current record stands at 6-2, and they are set to conclude round-robin play against the host nation, Italy, Monday morning (3:05 a.m. CST). With both squads assured a semifinal place, the outcome will determine their next matchups. If the Americans claim victory, they will face Sweden again in the semifinals, while a win for Italy would lead to a rematch in the semifinals.
The bronze medal match will take place Tuesday morning at 7:05 a.m. CST, followed by the mixed-doubles gold-medal game at 11:05 a.m. Tuesday. The team’s progression in this tournament not only showcases their resilience but also brings hope for a medal in the Olympic arena.