Rachel Homan's Olympic Curling Opener: Dominant Start in Italy
Rachel Homan's quest for Olympic redemption kicked off with a commanding performance at the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. After being shut out of the medals four years ago in Beijing, the Canadian skip and her team delivered a resounding 10-4 victory over Denmark in their opening match on Thursday.
A Strong Foundation for Gold Pursuit
"It's a great start, obviously," Homan told reporters after the game. "It's really great to get the first one under your belt before the day off. It was a really great performance by my team." This win marks the beginning of what Canada hopes will be a golden journey through nine round-robin games and potential playoff matches leading up to next Sunday.
The Canadian rink—featuring skip Rachel Homan, third Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, and lead Sarah Wilkes—demonstrated the confidence and skill that has made them dominant over the past two years. Their execution proved superior, with Canada posting a 75% success rate compared to Denmark's 71%, and Fleury leading all curlers with an impressive 82% accuracy.
Three Key Takeaways from the Opener
1. A Commanding Performance from Start to Finish
While it took a few ends for their dominance to fully manifest, the Canadians were in control from the opening rock. "I think we made a pile of shots early, and it felt pretty comfortable," said Homan, who is competing in her third Winter Olympics. The team exchanged points with Denmark through the first four ends, with each side scoring two points initially, then swapping singles—including a steal by Denmark in the third end.
The turning point came in the fifth end when Canada's precise rock placement created overwhelming pressure on their opponents, resulting in a steal of four points. They sealed the victory with a three-ender in the seventh frame. "We were communicating with each other really well," Fleury noted. "Then the fifth end, we were able to get our rocks in really good spots and put a lot of pressure on them."
2. Favorable Ice Conditions
Following concerns about ice conditions after Canada's mixed-doubles team struggled earlier in the Games, the women's squad reported no issues with the Cortina surface. "Yeah... we got a good handle on the ice," Fleury confirmed. "And I think that really helped." This positive assessment mirrors that of the Canadian men's team from their opening day on Wednesday, suggesting favorable conditions for Canada's medal aspirations.
The ice quality represents a welcome development after Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant's mixed-doubles campaign was hampered by mysterious ice conditions that ultimately cost them a medal opportunity. While those earlier conditions prompted adjustments after the third day of competition, the current surface appears to be playing to Canada's advantage.
3. Confidence and Calm Under Pressure
Despite the high stakes of Olympic competition, the Canadian team displayed remarkable composure throughout their opener. "I think we came out confident and fairly calm considering it was our first game here," Fleury observed. This mental fortitude, combined with their technical skill, creates a formidable combination as they pursue the gold medal that eluded them in Beijing.
With veteran skip Madeleine Dupont leading Denmark, the victory carries additional significance as a statement win against experienced competition. As Homan's rink from the Ottawa Curling Club looks ahead to their remaining matches, this strong start provides crucial momentum in their quest for Olympic glory.
