Kerri Einarson Draws Inspiration from Uncle Greg McAulay's Legacy at World Women's Curling
Kerri Einarson's pursuit of a world title at the 2026 BKT World Women's Curling Championship is receiving a significant boost from the presence of curling legends, but none more impactful than her uncle, Greg McAulay. The Canadian skip, hailing from Gimli, Manitoba, is fueled by the success and support of McAulay, a former world champion himself.
Family Legacy Fuels Competitive Fire
Einarson, 38, expressed her excitement about having McAulay in the stands at WinSport Event Centre in Calgary. "He's here this week," she said gleefully. "He's been to a lot of my events, including the Scotties. It's pretty special, and I love having him here. He's a pretty big idol of mine."
McAulay's achievements in the sport have been a driving force for Einarson since childhood. In 2000, he won both the Brier and the world championship as part of a British Columbia rink that included third Brent Pierce, second Bryan Miki, and lead Jody Sveistrup. Witnessing his triumph ignited Einarson's competitive spirit.
"When my uncle, Greg, won the Brier back in 2000 and then went on to win the worlds, it was something pretty special," Einarson recalled. "I got to watch that, and that's right away when I knew that's what I wanted to do."
Learning from a Champion's Composure
Einarson admires not only McAulay's victories but also his demeanor on the ice. "I'd say just his composure and how calm and collected he was is something that I wanted to replicate and be like," she beamed. "And I wanted to show respect for people like he does—and I think I do that. He's amazing, and I'm so lucky to have him and have his support."
McAulay, now 66, has praised his niece's dedication and resilience. In a previous interview with the Prince George Citizen, he noted, "It's in her genes. Kerri's the only one in the family that kept going with the curling. Even my girls played a bit through junior and stuff, but family life got in their way. But she's been able to manage it with the kids and do very well at it. She's got grit. I was a little more laid-back."
Support from Curling Greats
While McAulay's influence is paramount, Einarson has also benefited from the presence of other curling champions at the event. Kevin Koe, Russ Howard, Reid Carruthers, and Kevin Martin have all been in attendance, contributing to a confident atmosphere for Team Canada.
Einarson's journey into curling began in her hometown of Selkirk, Manitoba, where her parents fostered her interest. Her mother, Marilyn, was a curler, and her father, Jeff, was an avid fan. "In a small town, everyone curled," she explained. However, it was McAulay's world-class success that truly inspired her to aim for the highest levels of the sport.
Path to the Playoffs
With her ticket secured for Saturday's six-team playoffs at WinSport Event Centre, Einarson is poised to join her uncle as a world champion. Her performance at the championship has been bolstered by the support system around her, blending family legacy with the camaraderie of the curling community.
As the competition intensifies, Einarson's connection to McAulay serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of family and mentorship in sports. Her determination to replicate his achievements while carving out her own legacy highlights the deep-rooted passion that drives athletes to excel on the global stage.
