Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse Secure Historic US Olympic Curling Silver
In the heart of Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, the 2026 Winter Olympics delivered a moment of pure drama on the curling ice. American duo Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse captured silver in mixed doubles curling, etching their names into history as the first U.S. team to medal in this event. Though they fell short of gold in a tense 6-5 defeat to Sweden's sibling pair, Isabella and Rasmus Wranå, the achievement resonates deeply for American curling.
The Nail-Biting Final: A Battle on Ice
The championship match was a showcase of precision, strategy, and unyielding pressure. Dropkin, the U.S. skip, and Thiesse, his throwing partner, entered the final riding a wave of momentum. They had dominated the world championships in 2025, proving their mettle against global competition. But facing the Wranå siblings—Sweden's first Olympic curling duo—tested their resolve.
The game unfolded with classic curling tension. The Americans built an early lead, leveraging Dropkin's masterful shot calls and Thiesse's accurate deliveries. Dropkin, known for his crowd-engaging flair, whipped up the pro-U.S. spectators, creating an electric atmosphere in the arena. Yet, the Swedes remained stoic, their silent camaraderie a stark contrast to the Americans' energy.
In the final end, with the score tied at 5-5, the Wranås seized an opening left by the U.S. team. Isabella Wranå's decisive takeout stone knocked out the yellow American rock, securing gold for Sweden. Dropkin and Thiesse watched in disbelief as the red stone settled, ending their gold-medal dreams. "It's heartbreaking, but we're proud," Dropkin later reflected in post-match interviews.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Early Dominance: Dropkin opened with a double takeout in the first end, setting a 2-0 U.S. lead.
- Swedish Comeback: The Wranås rallied in the middle frames, using precise sweeping to steal points and tie the score.
- Clutch Plays: Thiesse's guard in the eighth end forced Sweden into a tough draw, keeping the U.S. in contention.
- The Decisive End: A missed measurement on a U.S. stone left the door open, allowing Isabella's perfect throw.
This wasn't just a loss; it was a testament to the evolving competitiveness of mixed doubles curling, where split-second decisions can swing outcomes.
Korey Dropkin: The Face of American Curling's Rise
Korey Dropkin, 34, from Southborough, Massachusetts, has been a cornerstone of U.S. curling for over a decade. Starting his career in youth leagues, Dropkin rose through the ranks with his analytical approach to the game. As skip, he directs the team's strategy, reading the ice like a chess master. His partnership with Thiesse, formed in 2024, blended his tactical prowess with her steady hand.
Dropkin's journey to the Olympics wasn't linear. He faced setbacks, including a fourth-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Games. But his 2025 world title win propelled the team forward. Off the ice, Dropkin advocates for curling's growth in the U.S., mentoring young athletes and pushing for better funding. "Curling is more than a sport; it's about perseverance," he often says.
Cory Thiesse: Breaking Barriers for Women in Curling
Cory Thiesse, 29, from Duluth, Minnesota—the heart of American curling—became the first U.S. woman to medal in Olympic curling. Her background in competitive softball transitioned seamlessly to curling, where her power and accuracy shine. Thiesse's silver is a beacon for aspiring female curlers, inspiring a new generation. "This medal is for every girl who picks up a stone and dreams big," she shared, her voice emotional on the podium.
The duo's success highlights the strides in women's curling. USA Curling reports a 20% increase in female participation since 2022, fueled by Olympic visibility.
Significance for U.S. Curling and the Olympics
This silver medal marks a pivotal moment for USA Curling. Mixed doubles, added to the Olympics in 2018, has been a tough nut to crack for Americans. Prior teams struggled in qualifiers, but Dropkin and Thiesse's qualification via the 2025 worlds changed the narrative. Their achievement not only boosts national pride but also secures funding and interest for the sport.
In broader Olympic context, the 2026 Games in Cortina have spotlighted winter sports beyond hockey and skiing. Curling's strategic depth—combining physics, teamwork, and mental fortitude—drew record viewership. The U.S. contingent, including stars like Chloe Kim in snowboarding and speedskater Jordan Stolz, amassed multiple medals, but Dropkin and Thiesse's silver stands out for its underdog appeal.
Sweden's Wranå siblings, coached by their father Mats and current mentor Alison Kreviazuk, overcame an early tournament slump labeled a "Curlingfiasko" by Swedish media. Their gold adds to Scandinavia's curling dominance, but the close scoreline signals the U.S. is closing the gap.
Looking Ahead: The Future of American Curling
Post-Olympics, Dropkin plans to defend the world title and eye the 2030 Milano Cortina Games. Thiesse aims to inspire through clinics and youth programs. Experts predict this medal will spike curling club memberships by 15-20%, mirroring the post-2018 boom.
As the final broom strokes faded on the Italian ice, Dropkin and Thiesse stood tall on the podium. Their silver isn't just hardware; it's a foundation for American curling's golden future. In a sport where every pebble matters, they've smoothed the path for those who follow.
