Both United States curling teams are on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with a crucial victory needed to secure their spots. Competing in Kelowna, British Columbia, Team Tabitha Peterson has reached the qualification playoffs, setting the stage for an exciting finish at this week’s Olympic Qualification Event.
The all-Minnesotan rink, led by Tabitha Peterson, overcame a high-stakes match against Germany on Tuesday night, clinching the third and final playoff spot in the eight-team tournament. Peterson’s team includes Cory Thiesse from Duluth, Tara Peterson from Eagan, and Taylor Anderson-Heide from Minneapolis. After a shaky start to the tournament, where they lost two of their first three matches to Japan and Czechia, the Americans bounced back. They managed to defeat Australia, Estonia, and Turkiye, finishing the round-robin with a 4-2 record.
In their decisive match against Germany, the U.S. team took control early, scoring two points in the second end and stealing single points in the next two ends for a commanding 4-0 lead. Although Germany fought back, closing the gap to 6-5 entering the final end, Team USA sealed their victory with three points in the last end, securing a 9-5 win.
Upcoming Matches Determine Olympic Fate
As the tournament progresses, two of the remaining teams will qualify for the Olympics in Cortina, Italy, in February. On Wednesday afternoon, the top two seeds, Norway and Japan, will compete for one Olympic berth. The winner will secure a spot in Italy, while the loser will face Team Peterson on Thursday morning at noon Minnesota time, fighting for the final qualification place.
On the men’s side, Team Danny Casper also advanced to the qualification playoffs as the second seed. Casper’s rink managed to recover after an early defeat to China, the only team to best them in seven matches thus far. Their final round-robin match against the Netherlands on Wednesday morning will not impact their standing but remains crucial for the Dutch, who could qualify if they win.
Team USA will face China again on Wednesday night at 21:00 CST for one qualification spot. The stakes are high, as the loser of this match will meet whoever claims the third seed on Thursday afternoon for a final chance at Olympic participation.
The excitement surrounding these matches not only highlights the skill and determination of the U.S. curling teams but also the intense competition as they strive for a place on the Olympic stage.
