Ice Preparation

Lauren Rich, an Oregon woman who started curling seven years ago, has been selected to help create the competition ice for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games. As the only American on the World Curling Federation's ice crew, she will spend about a month in Italy ensuring the ice meets elite standards. Rich, a full-time employee with Team USA Curling, shared her surprise and excitement in an interview at the Evergreen Curling Club outside Portland.