United States wheelchair curlers Laura Dwyer and Steve Emt competed in the first-ever mixed doubles event at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The pair finished fourth after a close 10-11 loss to Latvia in the bronze medal match that went to extra ends. Both athletes expressed pride in their performance and the opportunity to represent their country.
Laura Dwyer of Lac La Belle, Wisconsin, and Steve Emt represented Team USA in the historic debut of mixed doubles wheelchair curling at the 2026 Winter Paralympics. The competition took place in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, where the athletes showcased their skills on a global stage despite personal challenges.
Dwyer, a mother of two who has used a wheelchair for about 14 years following an injury, discovered curling through an adaptive clinic flyer. Before her injury, she grew up on a farm, worked as a landscaper, and competed as a college volleyball player and high school pitcher. "When I started curling, I felt that again, that moment of all eyes on you," Dwyer said. "You've got to make this thing happen."
Emt, paralyzed at age 25 after a drunk-driving crash in which he was the driver, was a walk-on basketball player at the University of Connecticut. Recruited by coach Tony Calaccio, he became a three-time Paralympian, first competing in 2018 in South Korea. "This sport, I always say, it didn't save my life, but it absolutely changed my life," Emt said.
In their bronze medal match against Latvia on Wednesday, Dwyer and Emt pushed the game into extra ends but fell short with a 10-11 score, allowing Latvia to claim the bronze. "We had a tough match last night. I'm still hurting a little bit," Emt reflected. "We came an inch short of bringing home a medal. We wanted to bring it home." Despite the outcome, both emphasized resilience. "In life, there's winning and learning. That other word, it's not in our vocabulary," Emt added.
Dwyer described the experience as a dream come true, with her family present in Italy. "This is the greatest opportunity in the world, to show others what it looks like to work hard towards a goal," she told The Associated Press. "The Paralympics is the best of the best. And to come here means you did it."
Looking ahead, the pair plans to return to the United States on Monday. Emt will resume public speaking with about 52 high school presentations on the dangers of drinking and driving. Dwyer intends to visit schools to share her story and the team's progress. Both encouraged others facing injuries to stay active and find purpose. "It's not what happens to you. It's what you decide to do with what happens," Emt said.
