Two curling stones were stolen from the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium just before wheelchair curling debuted at the 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics. Authorities are investigating, but spare stones ensured the event proceeded uninterrupted. The theft adds to curling controversies following the Olympics double-touching scandals.
The theft of two granite curling stones—each weighing about 42 pounds and valued at £750—occurred at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Italy. Made from Ailsa Craig granite at a factory in Mauchline, Ayrshire, Scotland, the stones were part of the set used in the Olympic mixed doubles tournament. World Curling confirmed: “Unfortunately there has been a situation where two stones were stolen from the venue. The local authorities are currently investigating.”
The disappearance was discovered Tuesday evening, ahead of the inaugural mixed doubles wheelchair curling on March 4, 2026—the start of Paralympic competition before the March 6 opening ceremony at Verona Olympic Arena. Spare stones were adjusted to specifications and put into use, with no schedule disruptions.
Teams learned of the theft at a meeting in Cortina. After Team USA's 11-6 win over Latvia, national wheelchair program director Pete Annis said: “Obviously, they have really good stones, and they’re just going to replace them... It’s not an issue to us.” Other results: Italy 7-5 over South Korea, Estonia 10-7 over Great Britain, China 10-3 over Japan.
This incident continues scrutiny on curling after Olympics double-touching accusations against Canadian teams, which prompted rule changes and debates on sportsmanship (see related article in series).
