In a commanding start to the women’s curling round-robin at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, Canada’s Rachel Homan secured a decisive 10-4 victory over Denmark’s Madeleine Dupont. The Ottawa-based team showcased their formidable skills, particularly in pivotal ends, solidifying their status as one of the frontrunners for a medal in the highly competitive 10-team field.
Strong Start for Canada
The match commenced with Homan’s team, which includes Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, taking an early lead after scoring two points in the first end. Denmark quickly responded with a pair of points of their own, and the game remained tightly contested, ending the fourth end tied at 3-3.
However, the turning point came in the fifth end. Despite Denmark having the hammer, Canadian precision and strategy shone through as they capitalised on Danish errors. Homan’s team executed a series of expertly placed stones, resulting in a remarkable four-point steal that put them firmly in control.
Denmark Struggles Under Pressure
After the fifth end, Denmark struggled to regain their footing. Although Dupont attempted to limit the damage, her efforts fell short as she could only remove one Canadian stone from the four-foot ring. This allowed Canada to extend their lead with three additional points in the seventh end, forcing Denmark to concede the match early.
The Canadian team’s performance was a testament to their preparation and skill, further emphasising their potential as podium contenders. This match marked Homan’s third consecutive Olympic appearance, and despite her previous attempts falling short of a medal, the momentum from this victory could be a game-changer.
Competitive Landscape
As the round-robin progresses, Homan and her teammates will face tough competition from several top teams, including Sweden’s Anna Hasselborg, Switzerland’s Silvana Tirinzoni, and Italy’s Stefania Constantini. These matchups will be crucial in determining the overall standings leading into the knockout stages of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the men’s team, skipped by Brad Jacobs, had a strong start with a narrow 7-6 win against Germany the previous evening, although they had the day off on Thursday.
Why it Matters
Homan’s triumphant opening match is not just a moment of individual glory; it represents Canada’s ongoing legacy in curling on the international stage. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, particularly in the lead-up to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics, this victory could serve as a catalyst for further success. The team’s cohesion and skillful execution could inspire a new generation of curlers, making their journey in this Olympic cycle not only about winning medals but also about uplifting the sport’s profile in Canada and beyond.
