The United States curling team opened the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games with two victories on February 5. Cathy Overton Clapham made her long-awaited Olympic debut as the team's coach. The mixed doubles pair of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin became the first Americans to compete in the event.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, kicked off curling competitions on February 4, with historic moments across the field. Estonia made Olympic curling history on day one, marking their debut in the sport at this level.
On February 5, Canada pulled off an upset by defeating the defending Olympic champions from Italy. Italy, however, had enjoyed a dream start earlier in the games. For Team USA, the day brought positive results as they secured two wins in their opening matches.
Leading the American effort is veteran skipper Rich Ruohonen, 54, who has made a remarkable comeback from semi-retirement to represent the United States. Ruohonen, a Minnesota lawyer, steps in after former skipper Danny Casper battled Guillain-Barré Syndrome 18 months prior, which had cast uncertainty over his participation. Ruohonen is poised to become one of the oldest American athletes at the Olympics.
Cathy Overton Clapham, coaching Team USA, fulfills a long-held dream by debuting at the Olympics in this role. The mixed doubles team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin took to the ice first among Americans, setting the tone for the U.S. campaign in Milan-Cortina.
These early results highlight a competitive field, with nations like Canada, Italy, and newcomers Estonia vying for medals in the curling events.
