Edin Rebounds for Eighth World Curling Title

Leading into February’s Olympic Winter Games, The Curling News’ EIC seemed to go all in on Niklas Edin to win his fourth medal in a row, and second gold. 

Many, including gk, pointed out the Swedish skip’s recent run of tour/Slam form – for him, it was poor – and his history of injuries.

It’s no secret the 40-year-old veteran lives to compete for a) Olympics b) world championships and c) European championships – and his team had just won another Euro title in December.

It certainly wasn’t to be, as a tough opening schedule delivered early losses which was followed by an explosive game against Canada – and the squad essentially fell apart.

Edin himself wondered aloud about the future, saying “…we’ve got to listen in on everyone and see if it’s still fun to curl, (to see) if we still realistically think we have a chance four years from now. If not, then it might not be worth it.”

As curling fans await word of his team’s plans, Edin and Co. are celebrating another world championship title after Sweden’s 9-6 victory over world rookie skip Matt Dunstone of Canada.

The final played in Ogden, UT saw Edin, third Oskar Eriksson, second Rasmus Wraana and lead Christoffer Sundgren – now calling skip stones – score deuces in every end with hammer (four times) to stay ahead of Canada, who scored two pairs and two singles.

“We were very disappointed after the Olympics, so I feel we had a monkey on our backs going into this week,” Edin told World Curling. 

“We had to prove to ourselves that we can still curl at a high level. I think we played amazing, keeping our cool and staying ahead in these two playoff games.”

Sweden defeated USA’s John Shuster and Canada upended Scotland’s Ross Whyte in the previous day’s semifinal round.

Scotland defeated the host team 11-6 for the bronze medals earlier on Saturday.

Sweden had been crushed by Canada earlier in the week, but the championship final was a different day entirely.

“We ran into a buzzsaw today; I mean, they threw everything they had at us and unfortunately just we couldn't find enough answers for it,” Dunstone told Curling Canada.

“It was gruelling schedule and our backs were against the wall early. To rally off 10 (wins) in a row to make it into the final, I think we have all the reasons in the world to be proud of what we accomplished. 

“Looking back at it in a couple days, I’m obviously going to be very proud – it’s the happiest silver medal I've ever won.”

Dunstone and third Colton Lott were appearing in their first men’s fours world championship, while the front-end Harnden brothers, E.J. and Ryan, boasted past world medals with skips Brad Gushue (E.J.) and Brad Jacobs (both).

The Weber County Ice Sheet in Ogden was the host site for curling at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games, and will host curling one again at the SLC Games in 2034. 

The Collie Campbell Memorial Award, voted on by the competitors, recognizes the player who best personifies the spirit of curling, fairness and sportsmanship. Norway third Wilhelm Naess received the award during the closing ceremony.

Norwegian legend Paal Trulsen was formally inducted into the World Curling Hall of Fame, following his 2024 induction announcement. 

It was Trulsen’s first time returning to the site of his 2002 Olympic triumph over Canada’s Kevin Martin.