An exclusive column from Shannon Kleibrink, who skipped teams in three Canadian Olympic Trials curling finals – “I am grateful for all of it. The heartbreaks, the breakthroughs, the memories. They shaped the curler I became and the coach I am today”
HALIFAX – We asked Calgary’s Shannon Kleibrink – who coached Kayla Skrlik’s team this week – to reflect on an Olympic Trials career which saw her skip women’s teams three times and, amazingly, qualify for all three championship finals.
This is her story, which could be subtitled “My journey through Canada’s toughest week in curling.”
By Shannon Kleibrink
Competing in the Canadian Olympic Trials is unlike anything else in our sport. It demands mental toughness, precision, patience and resilience. I was fortunate, and I’m still a little surprised when I look back and realize I played in three Trials finals over my career.
Each one shaped me in its own way, taught me lessons I carried forward, and left me with memories and friendships I’m still grateful for.
1997 — First Final and a Trial by Fire
The 1997 Trials in Brandon, Man. were my first true test on curling’s biggest national stage. We were definitely not the favourite, but as the week unfolded we settled in, found our rhythm, and earned our way into the final.
Standing in that championship game against Sandra Schmirler’s remarkable team was both surreal and humbling. Sharing the ice with a team that had already left such a lasting mark on Canadian curling felt like a privilege.
We gave it everything we had and hung in as long as we could, but their experience and execution carried the day.
Looking back on that seventh end, I can still picture the situation clearly. At the time, I didn’t see the in-off that Sandra eventually played. l put a guard in a spot that didn’t actually protect anything; a classic rookie mistake at exactly the wrong moment.
If I guard the right shot we steal and maybe win that game.Instead, I left the door open, and Sandra walked through it with one of the greatest shots in curling history.
There’s been plenty of talk about that moment over the years, and the shot still shows up on every Top 10 list, and for good reason. A small part of me sometimes wonders what might have happened if I played the right shot but a bigger part of me is genuinely glad it played out the way it did.
Sandra and her team were far more prepared at that point to represent Canada on the Olympic stage, and I’m grateful they went on to bring home gold for our country.
Walking off the ice, I felt the sting of falling short, but I also gained something very important…. belief. That final showed me that I could compete at that level and gave me a clear picture of what I needed to grow into.
It was the first major step in a journey I couldn’t fully appreciate at the time.
2005 – Slow Start, Must-Wins and Breakthrough
Eight years later, that early experience still sat quietly in the back of my mind. We arrived in Halifax prepared, but the week didn’t go according to plan! We stumbled early and quickly found ourselves facing a string of “win or go home” games But those pressure games forced us to simplify things. One rock at a time. One end at a time.
Somewhere along the way, we found our "A" game. By the playoffs, we weren’t the uncertain team from the first few draws, we were a resilient team who truly believed we could stand on the top of the podium.
The final was a hard-fought battle against the great Kelly Scott team from B.C.. When it ended and we realized we had earned the honour of representing Canada at the Olympics, it felt like years of small lessons coming together at the right moment. It was less about brilliance and more about persistence, and never giving up.
I’ve always been so proud of how we battled that week. Representing Canada at the Olympics and standing on the podium with a bronze medal was definitely the highlight of my career, and I am so very grateful for the experience.
2009 — Familiar Rivalry on a Familiar Stage
The Trials in Edmonton were another reminder of how deep Canadian curling is and how narrow the margins can be. By then, Cheryl Bernard (also from Calgary) and I had played each other more times than either of us could count. Meeting her team in a Trials final felt almost inevitable.
Our week was steady, and we relied heavily on our experience. Making my third straight Trials final was something I didn’t take lightly. The championship final itself was tight from start to finish but a few key opportunities went Bernard’s way, and they earned the Olympic spot.
Losing that final was hard, but it also reminded me how fortunate I’d been to compete on that stage more than once. Many athletes never get that chance… I had three.
Looking Back
When I reflect on those Trials, I don't think first about the wins and losses. I think about the teammates that stood beside me, the opponents that raised the bar and the privilege of competing in moments that meant so much. Each Trials competition taught me something important about preparation, resilience, humility, and gratitude.
I am grateful for all of it. The heartbreaks, the breakthroughs, the memories. They shaped the curler I became and the coach I am today, and they remind me how special this sport is when everything’s on the line.