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In a unique twist to their pre-game routine, Canada’s curling team, led by Brad Jacobs, has turned to smelling salts to enhance their energy levels during the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The strategy, inspired by its use in other sports, has not only invigorated the team but also added an element of camaraderie as they prepare to compete for Olympic glory.
Smelling Salts: A New Ritual for Team Jacobs
As the team faced a slight decline in performance during evening matches last autumn, lead Ben Hebert proposed an innovative solution. “We needed something for some energy, like these daytime naps aren’t working,” he revealed. “I’ve seen all the guys in the NFL and NHL use the smelling salts to wake them up.” With a little help from his wife, Hebert sourced these potent inhalants, which have since become a staple in the Calgary-based team’s preparations.
Jacobs, Hebert, Marc Kennedy, and Brett Gallant, who triumphed at the Olympic Trials last November, have embraced this new practice. “For us, it’s almost like a little team dynamic thing now,” Jacobs explained. “Where we crack the salts, we all smell it together and we laugh, and we go through the burning pain. But it does wake you up, it makes your eyes water a little bit and gets you going.”
Team Canada’s Strong Start in Cortina
The use of smelling salts appears to be paying off, as Team Jacobs improved to a commendable 2-0 in the round-robin stage at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, securing a 6-3 victory over American competitor Daniel Casper. This new pre-game ritual not only serves as an energiser but also strengthens the team’s bond.
While smelling salts were originally developed to revive those who had fainted, their popularity among athletes seeking an adrenaline boost has grown significantly. Jacobs reflected on the team’s transition away from energy drinks, saying, “We had to get off the Red Bull at some point, we’re getting too old for that. So we had to come up with another plan.”
A Closer Look at Safety Concerns
The use of smelling salts is not without controversy. The NFL attempted to regulate their use last summer, warning teams against distributing ammonia-based inhalants, citing concerns over safety and efficacy. Although the NHL currently permits the use of smelling salts, league officials are keeping an eye on the practice as they study the implications further.
Curling Canada, meanwhile, adheres to the World Anti-Doping Agency and Sport Integrity Canada’s banned substances list, with a spokesperson confirming their commitment to maintaining athlete safety. “For a morning game, we’ll crack one before we start the game and then we usually will crack one at the fifth-end break as well,” Jacobs shared. “Hit two of those suckers during the game.”
The Cultural Shift in Curling
While the practice of using smelling salts is common in various sports, it remains a rarity in the world of curling. However, Team Jacobs is challenging this norm and potentially paving the way for a new trend within the sport. Their willingness to adapt and innovate could inspire other teams to explore unconventional methods for boosting performance.
As the team continues its quest for Olympic success, their newfound routine exemplifies the blend of tradition and modernity in sports. The laughter shared during their pre-game rituals not only energises them but also strengthens their unity—a crucial element in the high-stakes environment of the Olympics.
Why it Matters
The introduction of smelling salts into the curling world by Team Jacobs highlights a broader trend in sports where athletes are increasingly willing to adopt unconventional methods for performance enhancement. As the lines between tradition and innovation blur, this shift may inspire athletes across various disciplines to explore new avenues for improving their game. Furthermore, as concerns regarding safety and efficacy arise, it raises important questions about athlete welfare and the responsibilities of governing bodies to ensure a safe competitive environment. Team Jacobs’ experience serves as a compelling case study of how a simple ritual can foster team spirit while also pushing the boundaries of traditional practices in sport.
