Team GB Curlers Target Olympic Success with Depth and Experience
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Team GB's curling squads are positioning themselves as formidable contenders across all disciplines. With a blend of Olympic champions, world number one rankings, and seasoned veterans, British curling is in a robust state to build upon its recent successes.
Building on Beijing Success
Four years ago, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics presented unique challenges, held under the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic. Team GB's overall medal haul was modest, with just two secured in the final days. However, curling emerged as a bright spot, delivering both a gold and a silver medal. Eve Muirhead's women's rink triumphed over Japan to claim Olympic gold, while Bruce Mouat's men's team narrowly missed out, taking silver against Sweden.
Now, with the pandemic's constraints lifted, the atmosphere heading to Italy is markedly different. Jennifer Dodds, the sole returning member from the victorious 2022 women's team, notes the change. "The general atmosphere is a lot more calm without the stress of avoiding catching Covid," she explains. This shift allows athletes to focus more intently on performance and enjoyment of the sport they love.
Strength Across All Disciplines
Team GB's curling prospects are exceptionally strong, with medal potential in men's, women's, and mixed doubles events. Bruce Mouat's men's rink has held the world number one ranking for over a year, boasting two world and two European titles since Beijing. In mixed doubles, the pairing of Mouat and Jennifer Dodds are former world champions and silver medallists from last year, bringing a wealth of experience to the ice.
The women's team sees a refreshed lineup, with Rebecca Morrison leading a quartet completed by Sophie Jackson, Sophie Sinclair, and alternate Fay Henderson. Dodds, playing third, provides crucial Olympic experience to her teammates. "I think it's always useful having someone in a team that has been there before," she remarks, highlighting the value of her mentorship role.
Leadership and Mentorship
Eve Muirhead, now serving as Team GB's chef de mission, offers an optimistic outlook on Britain's chances. While stopping short of guaranteeing medals, she points to the current form and achievements of the squads. "Bruce and the boys are world No 1 just now, they've won a couple of grand slams this season. Those boys are definitely in form," Muirhead states. She also acknowledges the strength in mixed doubles and the promising season of the women's rink.
Dodds sees both her own presence and Muirhead's role as significant advantages. "We had Eve last time, so we could ask for advice from her, and we have that again as she's chef de mission this time. I think that's a real strength for Team GB," she notes, emphasising the continuity of experienced guidance.
Navigating Pressure and Schedule
Reflecting on Beijing, Dodds recalls the intense nerves of the first game but has learned to channel that energy positively. "It's channelling that excitement side of being nervous, and just to enjoy the experience," she says. The team maintained a tight-knit bubble to block out external noise, a strategy they plan to replicate in Milano Cortina.
However, new challenges arise with a gruelling schedule, particularly for Dodds and Mouat in mixed doubles. The event begins two days before the opening ceremony, offering little downtime across the 19-day competition. Dodds remains undaunted, stating, "In my mind, the hard work's done. We are in such a good position, physically and mentally." She emphasises the importance of downtime and learning from past experiences to optimise performance.
Aiming for Early Medals
With the mixed doubles final scheduled for day four and other events like women's snowboarding and freestyle skiing offering early medal opportunities, Team GB hopes to avoid a repeat of Beijing's last-minute medal rush. The broader squad shows potential across various sports, with UK Sport setting an ambitious target of four to eight medals.
Muirhead believes in the team's ability to inspire the nation. "I think the Winter Games kind of awakens all different parts of the country and people just get hooked to the TV for weeks," she says. "As a nation, we really punch above our weight in winter sports, and I think we're going to continue to do that." This sentiment underscores the confidence and determination driving Team GB's curlers as they aim for yet more Olympic glory.
