Fresh off her historic silver medal in mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics alongside Korey Dropkin—as detailed in prior coverage—Duluth native Cory Thiesse has returned home, sparking a surge of interest at the local curling club where she began her career. The first American woman to medal in the sport also placed fourth with the U.S. women's team.
Cory Thiesse's journey back to the Duluth Curling Club has been met with excitement from fans, friends, and young athletes eager to connect with their hometown hero. The club, where she first picked up a broom and continues daily training, holds deep significance: "This is where I first started curling, it's where I train every day. It's a very special place to me, it's been a second home, second family."
Her Olympic schedule was grueling, spanning mixed doubles before the opening ceremonies through the women's team event on the final day, with just one day off. "Physically, I actually felt really good. It was just more so the mental toll that it kind of takes on you," she reflected. Competing before packed crowds fueled her performance, leading to fourth in women's and silver in mixed doubles.
Thiesse takes pride in her milestone: "To realize that I was the first woman standing up on that podium for the U.S., it's just really special and I feel really proud to be that person and to be able to inspire the next generation."
Family support was crucial, with her parents at the Games and her mother—a two-time U.S. senior national curling champion—introducing her to the sport and coaching her for years. "My mom was my coach for a really long time as well, which is pretty special to be able to do that with her," Thiesse said. "I feel really lucky to have had that. We traveled the world together."
The medal's presence at the club has ignited passion among youth. "I see myself in so many of these young girls down here, to let them hold the medal and see their faces when they get to see it. It's been pretty special, and hope that we're helping people to realize their dreams and continue to grow our sport."
