THIESSE/DROPKIN TOP SWEDEN, EARN SPOT IN MEDAL ROUND AT 2026 GAMES
Photo by: World Curling
[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, February 9, 2026] — Cory Thiesse (Duluth, MN) and Korey Dropkin (Southborough, MA) have made history, becoming the first American Mixed Doubles team to reach the medal round since the discipline became part of the Winter Olympics program in 2018.
Thiesse and Dropkin, World Mixed Doubles Champions in 2023, shook off a two-loss day on Saturday by recording two critical victories on Sunday. In the afternoon session, they topped Estonia 5-3 before defeating Sweden 8-7 in the evening session. Against Estonia, Dropkin-Thiesse stole a point in the eighth and final end for the win. Playing Sweden, the Americans held hammer in the eighth but didn’t have to throw the final stone.
“Seeing Cory and Korey secure a spot in the Olympic Games playoff field is an incredible moment for our country and sport.” said Dean Gemmell, CEO of USA Curling “This result reflects years of dedication, resilience, and belief by the athletes and coaching staff, and we’re proud to see Team USA competing for a medal on the world’s biggest stage.”
In the final game of round-robin play, the United States will play Italy, gold medalists in 2022, in a matchup that could determine the second and third place. Italy enters the game at 5-3, while the United States comes into it at 6-2.
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About USA Curling
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.
