CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The highly-ranked Canadian women’s team couldn’t overcome challenging ice conditions and a strong Swedish squad, meaning the nation’s controversial men’s team now carries the final hope for Olympic curling gold at the Milan Cortina Games.
With Canada already missing out on medals in the mixed team event, Rachel Homan’s squad suffered an unexpected defeat to Anna Hasselborg’s Sweden in the semifinals on Friday.
“They are devastated at this moment,” Canada coach Heather Nedohin shared.
Sweden, currently ranked 12th, will compete against Switzerland for the gold medal on Sunday.
Sweden, which has secured victory in the women’s competition three times since curling was reinstated into the Olympic program in 1998, defeated Canada with a score of 6-3.
Homan had bested Hasselborg in all three of their previous matches this season.
“I woke up this morning and simply told the girls, ‘I truly believe we’re winning today,'” Hasselborg stated, with one of her children in her arms and another playing at her feet.
Silvana Tirinzoni’s Switzerland triumphed over the United States 7-4 and is now aiming for their first women’s Olympic gold.
The Swiss team claimed silver medals behind Canada at the last two world championships, following a streak of four consecutive golds in the most significant curling competition outside the Olympics.
Canada is set to play the U.S. for the bronze medal on Saturday.
“Naturally we’re disappointed, but our work here isn’t done,” Homan affirmed. “We will come out fighting fiercely tomorrow.”
The Canadians mentioned they struggled with the “straighter” ice, which “made some shots considerably more difficult.”
“But Sweden executed an excellent game, and credit is due to them,” Homan acknowledged.
U.S. vice skip Cory Thiesse, who had already earned a silver in the mixed team event with Korey Dropkin, admitted she was somewhat surprised to be facing Canada for bronze.
“They are the top-ranked team globally. However, it’s the Olympics, and that pressure can be intense sometimes, making outcomes unpredictable,” Thiesse remarked. “Our guiding principle this week has simply been to keep games competitive, as you never know what might unfold on the ice.”
In the men’s competition, Switzerland comprehensively beat Norway 9-1 to secure the bronze medal. Canada will face Britain for gold on Saturday.
The Canadian men’s team was involved in a controversy that gained attention far beyond the rink when several players were accused of double-touching the rock, a violation of the rules.