Olympic Curling Shocker: Homan's Crew Stunned by USA in Historic First-Ever Loss
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, delivered a stunning upset in women's curling as Canada's powerhouse team led by skip Rachel Homan suffered a shocking defeat to the United States. This marked the first time in Olympic history that a Canadian women's curling team has lost to their American counterparts, sending shockwaves through the curling world.
A Wake-Up Call for the Canadian Contenders
Team Homan, considered nearly unbeatable on most days, dropped a crucial contest in only their second draw of the nine-game round robin. The American team, skipped by Tabitha Peterson, secured a dramatic 9-8 victory with a decisive deuce earned in the 10th and final end. This unexpected result served as a significant wake-up call for the Ottawa Curling Club crew, who now stand at 1-1 in the tournament.
"Welcome to the big stage," Canada head coach Heather Nedohin told reporters after the game. "Losses come to different teams at different times, and that's the way they roll." The coach emphasized that this early setback could prove valuable as the team continues to adapt to Olympic conditions.
Three Key Takeaways from Canada's Curling Day
1. Better Now Than Later
The loss, while disappointing, comes at an optimal time in the tournament schedule. Team Homan now has ample opportunity to analyze their performance, make necessary adjustments, and build momentum before the elimination rounds. As Coach Nedohin noted, "Welcome to the first half of the week when you're still learning the ice, learning the rocks and getting your emotions in check." This early stumble may ultimately strengthen the team's resolve and preparation for the challenges ahead.
2. Skip Struggles Under Pressure
Rachel Homan, a two-time world champion skip, experienced an uncharacteristically difficult game. Her shot success rate of 75% placed her behind all seven other curlers on the ice in terms of percentage. The emotional toll was visible in the Canadian team's body language throughout the match, indicating the intense pressure of Olympic competition. Homan's dedication to her craft suggests she will conduct a thorough analysis of her performance to return to her typically dominant form.
3. Immediate Recovery Challenge
The Canadian team faces a demanding schedule ahead, with two crucial games scheduled for Saturday. First, they'll face Great Britain's Sophie Jackson in an early morning matchup (3:05 a.m. ET), followed by a high-stakes afternoon game against chief rival Switzerland, skipped by Silvana Tirinzoni (1:05 p.m. ET). These back-to-back contests will test the team's resilience and ability to quickly regroup after their disappointing loss to the Americans.
Jacobs' Rink Delivers Under Pressure
While the women's team experienced disappointment, Canada's men's curling team provided a contrasting narrative of success. Brad Jacobs' rink delivered clutch shots when it mattered most, securing an important victory in their Olympic campaign. Their performance demonstrated the precision and mental fortitude required to excel at the highest level of international curling competition.
The mixed results for Canadian curling on this Olympic day highlight the unpredictable nature of elite sports competition. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how Team Homan responds to this historic setback and whether they can regain their championship form in the remaining round robin games.
