Historic Win: Dropkin and Thiesse Claim First U.S. Olympic Medal in Mixed Doubles Curling

An Historic Achievement

On February 10, 2026, at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse made history by winning the first Olympic medal in mixed doubles curling for the United States. Their journey to the podium culminated in a thrilling silver medal match against the Swedish team, signaling a remarkable milestone in U.S. curling history.

The Match Against Sweden

In a match that exemplified the intensity of Olympic competition, Dropkin and Thiesse faced off against the talented siblings Isabella and Rasmus Wranå. Despite a valiant effort, the U.S. pair narrowly lost 6-5 in a contest filled with lead changes and dramatic moments.

“It was a really great game,” said Thiesse in a post-match interview. “We just needed to be a little sharper today, but we're not going to let that game take away from the week that we had.”

The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, and it was clear that both teams were determined to bring home the gold.

The Road to the Podium

Prior to the final, Dropkin and Thiesse achieved a significant victory by beating the host nation in the semifinals—a match that guaranteed Team USA their moment in Olympic history. This performance represents a pivotal point in the evolution of curling in the United States, as it showcases the growing talent and competitive spirit of American curlers.

Cory Thiesse: A Trailblazer

Notably, Cory Thiesse also made history as the first woman to earn an Olympic curling medal for the U.S., a milestone that undoubtedly inspires countless young athletes, particularly girls engaged in sports traditionally dominated by men.

A Dream Week

“This week's been a dream,” Dropkin expressed emotionally after the match. “Rasmus and Isabella are great curlers. They deserve this. They played amazing.”

The pair's humble attitudes reflect the sportsmanship that curling embodies, even amidst the pressures of Olympic competition.

Looking Ahead

As the Olympics progress, Thiesse will have further opportunities to add to her medal count when she competes in the women's individual event. Meanwhile, Dropkin will have to savor this singular accomplishment before cheering on his teammates in upcoming matches.

Conclusion

The achievements of Dropkin and Thiesse in this year's Winter Olympics represent not just personal success but a significant leap forward for U.S. curling. Their silver medal is more than a trophy; it is a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and the promise of more achievements to come. As we look ahead to future competitions, their story will likely motivate many aspiring curlers across the country.