As the Winter Olympics unfold in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Paul Webster, the head coach of Canada’s men’s curling team, is going above and beyond to ensure his athletes feel comfortable and connected to their roots. With a wealth of experience from six Olympic Games, Webster has transformed the athletes’ quarters into a welcoming space, complete with unique Canadian touches, as Team Brad Jacobs competes for glory on the ice.
A Touch of Home in Cortina
To make the Canadian athletes feel at ease while residing in trailers just outside Cortina, Webster has introduced a series of thoughtful enhancements. Specially ordered blankets adorn the beds, and the rooms feature decor that evokes a sense of Canadiana. “Honestly, it looks like a 10-year-old boy’s room,” Webster quipped, chuckling at the playful atmosphere he has fostered. “But the boys are like, ‘This is amazing.'”
The accommodations, while basic, are functional, comprising two rooms per trailer, with facilities including a shower and toilet. Athletes also have access to a fitness centre, recreational areas, a dining hall, and wellness rooms, ensuring they can maintain their physical and mental health as they pursue Olympic success. A striking red moose statue adds a whimsical touch outside the Canadian quarters, further reinforcing the team’s identity.
Curling with Canadian Flair
Within the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, Canadian influences continue to flourish. Webster highlighted the amalgamation of Canadian spirit with elements specific to Team Jacobs in their locker room. “There’s a whole bunch of Canadian stuff, but there’s also a whole bunch of Team Jacobs stuff,” he remarked. The coach emphasised the importance of continuity, drawing from successful strategies implemented during previous championships and adapting them with an Olympic flair.
The Canadian curling team, led by skip Brad Jacobs, is determined to make a mark in this prestigious competition, with aspirations of securing the nation’s place on the podium.
A Rivalry and a Reflection
Meanwhile, across the curling scene, Great Britain’s Bruce Mouat has had to pause his leisure activities, including viewing the popular Canadian series “Heated Rivalry,” as he focuses on his Olympic journey. Mouat, who aims to clinch a medal in the men’s competition, expressed his anticipation to return to the show when time permits. “I’ve seen the first three episodes,” he shared, “but now I can’t watch it because I’m here.”
The show, which portrays the love story of rival hockey players, has resonated with Mouat, particularly given his own experiences as an openly gay athlete. “It’s nice to see that on major networks, there’s a story about gay men or women just having a love story rather than a tragedy,” he noted. With the series renewed for a second season, it promises to continue shining a light on critical narratives within sports.
Insights from Olympic Experience
Tom Brewster, who once competed against Jacobs and won a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Games, is now serving as the sports manager for the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. Reflecting on Jacobs’ current team, Brewster commented, “They’re very much a kind of old-school Canadian team just with a more athletic edge now.” He described them as a strong unit, echoing the success Jacobs enjoyed in Sochi with his previous team. The current lineup, featuring Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert, is well-prepared to contend for Olympic honours.
Why it Matters
As these athletes navigate the challenges of the Winter Olympics, the efforts of coaches like Paul Webster to create a supportive and familiar environment underscore the importance of mental well-being in high-stakes competition. The blend of cultural elements and personal touches not only fosters a sense of unity among the team but also serves as a reminder of the heart and spirit behind the pursuit of Olympic excellence. As they compete, they carry with them the hopes of an entire nation, making each game a testament to their hard work and dedication.
