{"time":1770064028933,"blocks":[{"id":"Gpl4LFdF1X","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The 2026 Olympic Winter Games are poised to begin with Mixed Doubles curling. Let’s take a closer look at the potential of the teams."}},{"id":"VWrVyqQWJN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This analysis is based on factors such as previous Olympic experience, success on tour and in championships, coaching and support staff, resources, training environment, and funding. Not all details are publicly available, so I also rely on the information and intuition I have gained as a player and coach in the mixed doubles discipline."}},{"id":"0aNimZ2BQD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Naturally, this analysis is based on past performance. In the end, teams create their own results depending on their mood, focus and ability to handle pressure. At this level, any team can beat any other team in a single game."}},{"id":"msfdUYBNE_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"TOP THREE"}},{"id":"YoLP6W4eSh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Italy – Stefania Constantini / Amos Mosaner"}},{"id":"MOJQYWWjfG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This team has lost zero games at the 2022 Olympic Games and also at the 2025 world championship. Given their Olympic gold from Beijing they are supposed to win a medal in their home Games. They are highly self-sufficient on the ice, with strong shotmaking instincts and excellent tactical awareness."}},{"id":"y8FRMbuYWG","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Stefania Constantini • Eakin Howard-World Curling","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5ec0a043-9e3d-487a-aa73-194b733368ab.jpeg","width":3138,"height":2078}}},{"id":"rjpcpnKvlM","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mosaner is clearly the strongest sweeper among the 10 teams. This makes a real difference in draw accuracy, which is crucial in mixed doubles. Many close ends are decided by centimetres, and Italy often wins those margins."}},{"id":"Iuq6Za84sx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The key question is how they will manage the increased media pressure of competing at home, and Constantini needs to ignore the debates about her women’s team selection. Can this pair stay emotionally balanced when expectations are at their highest?"}},{"id":"ZGHgagPj_T","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Great Britain (Scotland) – Jennifer Dodds / Bruce Mouat"}},{"id":"2GE2osp1Fj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"They narrowly missed an Olympic medal in 2022, having captured world gold the previous year and silver last season. Both players have highly successful careers in team (fours) curling and outstanding shotmaking ability."}},{"id":"3VhyzBTUcX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Of all the teams in the field, this pair has the strongest resources behind them. Great Britain has relatively few winter sport medallists, which means curling receives substantial investment. Their support staff, analytics and preparation systems are among the best."}},{"id":"njGuRBx8bJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The main question is whether they have spent enough time together as a pair this season to fully optimize their communication and tactical routines."}},{"id":"dRDbt4L2Xj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Estonia – Marie Kaldvee / Harri Lill"}},{"id":"1nzT7BwEt4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Estonian team is one of the most experienced mixed doubles teams in this field. They finished sixth at their debut 2016 world championship and their recent results include a fifth, second and fourth place, with silver in 2024 being their best achievement so far. In that same year, they were ranked number one in the world."}},{"id":"l9CXI7sBjb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"They may also possess the broadest technical skill set in the competition. Over the years, they have worked with several international coaches and adopted elements from each system. This has given them exceptional versatility in different throwing techniques and tactical styles."}},{"id":"wMMB9PYX4w","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Team Estonia in Cortina","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/25c6a3f5-ae40-4efb-99a6-5a3ec4b29cb8.jpeg","width":1436,"height":1524}}},{"id":"SGIy0deb4F","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Recently, they have been coached by Magnus Nedregotten and Steffen Walstad, which has given them access to Norwegian expertise and the Olympiatoppen training system. Harri Lill’s central role in Estonian curling has also enabled this team to assemble a support group that suits them perfectly. They work with high-level mental and physical coaches and have access to excellent sports science support."}},{"id":"2WscH3Qkx5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In addition, they have acquired the same type of stones that will be used at Cortina d’Ampezzo, and their home facility provides outstanding ice conditions. Their funding, sponsorships and family support have made fully professional preparation possible. Media exposure in Estonia has been intense."}},{"id":"B55rdpTwKQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The key question is whether their self-confidence will remain stable under this level of expectation and public attention."}},{"id":"NZ3GJcKpJh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Positions 4–6"}},{"id":"lmneHynMUg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Sweden – Isabella & Rasmus Wranå"}},{"id":"r2PZEYUj4R","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"These siblings are established competitors, with Rasmus owning several Olympic and championship medals in team curling. They captured world gold in 2024, and Sweden’s long coaching tradition provides a strong foundation."}},{"id":"wN42XFaubo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"However, their main focus has been on team curling, and they have played relatively few mixed doubles events recently. Regardless, their basic skill level guarantees high performance."}},{"id":"uo8ort6eP1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Was the 2024 gold a peak moment, or can they reproduce that level consistently?"}},{"id":"Q3Nwokwmdr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Norway – Kristin Skaslien / Magnus Nedregotten"}},{"id":"baOBpcpiKc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With Olympic bronze in 2018 and silver in 2022, their medal progression suggests gold could be next. This is one of the most experienced pairs, having competed at world championships since 2013."}},{"id":"lFaoJpMLTl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It is unusual for them to miss playoffs. They regularly reach championship Sundays on tour and have medalled several times at the world championship."}},{"id":"3f3_xc3Wdr","type":"image","data":{"caption":"NOR silver in Beijing • World Curling","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1138adde-7424-4614-b7d0-5b0df022b644.jpeg","width":2566,"height":1740}}},{"id":"7p-NJraeJi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This season, however, has been different. Nedregotten has been coaching in Estonia, while Skaslien pursued Olympic qualification in women’s fours, only to lose both qualifying finals. Both projects were demanding and time-consuming."}},{"id":"2ow9GWmuH0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Has this divided focus reduced some of their competitive sharpness and emotional intensity as a pair?"}},{"id":"a5YYmnMS_G","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Canada – Jocelyn Peterman / Brett Gallant"}},{"id":"l-w2_srQkx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Canadian teams are always strong, given the depth and competitiveness of their domestic system. Reaching world championships and winning Olympic qualification already requires elite performance."}},{"id":"XL_VMbi23C","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Peterman and Gallant, who married in 2022, won world championship silver in 2019 and finished fifth/sixth in both 2022 and 2025. This reflects the general picture of Canadian mixed doubles: high-level teams competing against European pairs with longer international histories."}},{"id":"3OGlTS_4TH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Canadian players often face European teams that have accumulated more appearances at championships. While the Canadian domestic level is excellent, winning consistently in international mixed doubles has been more challenging."}},{"id":"Mi6vVlhr15","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The key question is whether they can stretch their shotmaking and tactical risk-taking when medals are at stake."}},{"id":"f0xnYnjK9u","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Positions 7–10"}},{"id":"GUmyOt2TXb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"USA – Cory Thiesse / Korey Dropkin"}},{"id":"AKsGIltNiW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"World champions in 2023 and direct Cortina qualifiers last year, they have the potential for any position. Their main challenge is variability."}},{"id":"-XGDXMq0yc","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Team USA • Logan Hannigan-Downs-World Curling","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ed32ace0-656b-44b2-9353-5fd394fa52c7.jpeg","width":3026,"height":2014}}},{"id":"xhz_w-7UiG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In a good week, they can reach the top of the standings. However, that also requires some competitors to underperform at the right moment. Their focus on athletic preparation is strong, but recent political tensions and tragic events in their home state may have created an additional emotional load."}},{"id":"dK1Vmj6y6a","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Can they fully isolate themselves from external distractions?"}},{"id":"91ZB_kUdvT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Switzerland – Briar & Yannick Schwaller"}},{"id":"8UswHR4Odz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Swiss system provides strong organizational and coaching support, and their central European location provides easy access to high-quality facilities and tournaments, saving time and energy during preparation."}},{"id":"S-AGRzzOxe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This married couple have competed in two world championships with a combined record of 14-7. Without further improvement, this ratio likely places them in the middle of the standings – unless several teams struggle."}},{"id":"eXDxt5Qx_Q","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Yannick Schwaller’s extensive touring with his men’s fours team has developed his experience, but has it translated into improved mixed doubles performance?"}},{"id":"nhqYvFiiEy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"South Korea – Kim Seon-yeong / Jeong Yeong-seok"}},{"id":"DotRLzK2uH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"So far, they have not demonstrated sustained top-level performance. Their campaign at the Olympic Qualification Event (OQE) was inconsistent, but they showed the ability to raise their level when it mattered most, especially against the world’s top-ranked team."}},{"id":"myZGQzSWyU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This indicates that their peak level is high enough to beat anyone. The challenge is achieving that level consistently."}},{"id":"hJa4gJm0rM","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Which top team will they surprise?"}},{"id":"UK2phoQzNi","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Czechia – Julie Zelingrová / Vit Chabičovský"}},{"id":"50ud1d9l8R","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Technically, they are slightly behind most of the field. However, their OQE victory showed exceptional mental strength and the ability to build strong self-confidence under pressure."}},{"id":"RLvMDNXViQ","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Team CZE • World Curling graphic","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5c6b90e8-9a52-4b3c-aae7-8704402d7519.jpeg","width":988,"height":1228}}},{"id":"JPFAKHfPjv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This confidence enables high-level shotmaking. Reaching the Olympics is already a major success, and with low external expectations, they can play relaxed and fearless curling."}},{"id":"tdDIMfqqPP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"They have also won events on tour, so they are not intimidated by strong opposition. How many teams will they surprise?"}},{"id":"D4Z834tt2Y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Final Thoughts"}},{"id":"-7ee0jaNmy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Any team placed in the top three can fall out, and any team from positions four to six can step in. Mixed doubles remains a highly volatile discipline."}},{"id":"I7fZ90DuoZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The team that manages to put together one excellent week will leave the Games with a medal."}},{"id":"qDl-Z3cYP0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"I wish good luck to all teams, their support staff, and their families."}},{"id":"B-rFCSxcAb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"And finally: which team will make the first successful “spinner” shot in Olympic curling history?"}}],"version":"2.31.0"}

Tomi Rantamaki

TomiRantamaki@TCNN

Curling Performance Coach

Olympic Curling 2026: Mixed Doubles Speculation