Siblings Isabella and Rasmus Wranå have secured Sweden's first final appearance in mixed doubles curling at the Milano/Cortina Olympics. They defeated Great Britain 9–3 in the semifinal after a dramatic turnaround in the sixth end. The USA awaits in Tuesday's final.
After three straight losses in the round-robin, Isabella and Rasmus Wranå faced a tough challenge in the Olympic mixed doubles curling tournament. The siblings turned things around, securing a semifinal spot with Norwegian help. In the semifinal against Great Britain's Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds, the Swedish pair dominated from the start.
The match was tied 3–3 heading into the sixth end when Great Britain missed their last stone. Sweden capitalized on the error, scoring five points to seize a decisive lead. "We pounced on their misses and that's what was needed," says Rasmus Wranå. In the final end, Sweden stole another point to seal the 9–3 victory.
"It feels so damn good. We knew we'd have to play incredibly well. We did it throughout the match and I'm so happy," Isabella Wranå tells SVT Sport. Expert Eva Lund calls it "one of the best mixed curling matches I've seen" and describes the closing sequence as "spectacular."
Sweden has now secured its first medal in Olympic curling at these Games and is making sports history. Commentator Niklas Nord exclaims: "This is Swedish sports history being written." The final against the USA's Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse takes place in Cortina on Tuesday at 18:00, broadcast on SVT.
"We need to play like today. Or even better," says Rasmus Wranå about the gold requirements. The siblings are pumped: "Now we want gold," emphasizes Isabella.
