The Road to the 2026 Winter Olympics Begins in Colorado
The journey toward the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina is already underway for many athletes, and the U.S. Olympic curling trials for the mixed doubles division are a significant milestone in this journey. From February 17 to February 23, 2023, ten mixed doubles teams will compete at Rock Creek Curling in Lafayette, Colorado. The stakes are high, as the winners of this event will earn a coveted spot in the 2025 World Curling Mixed Doubles Championships. A strong performance in this international tournament could then secure their place in the Winter Olympics, making this trial a critical step in their Olympic dreams.
Notable Teams and Previous Performances
This year’s field includes some of the most competitive and familiar faces in U.S. curling. Among them are siblings Matt and Becca Hamilton, who have been a formidable duo on the international stage. The Hamiltons secured a 10th-place finish at the 2024 World Championships, demonstrating their resilience and skill. Another team to watch is Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, who won the 2023 U.S. Olympic curling trials and are likely to be strong contenders again. These pairs, along with others like Aileen Geving and John Shuster, Sarah Anderson and Andrew Stopera, and Madison Bear and Aidan Oldenburg, bring a wealth of experience and determination to the competition.
Detailed Schedule of the Trials
The U.S. Olympic curling trials for the mixed doubles division are meticulously planned and spread out over a week to ensure fair play and ample competition. The event kicks off on February 17 with Draw 1, consisting of five games, and will continue through February 23. Each draw is scheduled to start at different times to accommodate viewers and participants. For instance, Draw 1 will begin at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock, while Draw 2 will start at 2 p.m. ET the following day. The semifinal and final rounds are set to air on CNBC and will also be available to stream on Peacock and Fubo. Here is a breakdown of the schedule:
- Draw 1 (five games): February 17, 9-11 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Draw 2 (five games): February 18, 2-4 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Draw 3 (five games): February 18, 9-11 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Draw 4 (five games): February 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Draw 5 (five games): February 19, 4-6 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Draw 6 (five games): February 19, 9-11 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Draw 7 (five games): February 20, 2-4 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Draw 8 (five games): February 20, 9-11 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Draw 9 (five games): February 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Tiebreaker (if necessary): February 21, 3-5 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Page Playoffs (two games): February 21, 9-11 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Semifinal: February 22, 2-4 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock/Fubo
- Final (Game 1): February 22, 9-11 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock/Fubo
- Final (Game 2): February 23, 2-4 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock/Fubo
- Final (Game 3, if necessary): February 23, 8-10 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock/Fubo
How to Watch the Trials
For those who want to follow the action closely, the U.S. Olympic curling trials for the mixed doubles division offer multiple viewing options. The bulk of the matches will be streamed on Peacock, a popular streaming service that has become a go-to platform for sports enthusiasts. For the semifinal and final games, CNBC will be the primary TV channel, and these matches will also be available on Peacock and Fubo. Fubo is currently offering a free trial, making it an excellent option for viewers who are not yet subscribers. The broadcasting team, including Jason Knapp (play-by-play), Kevin Martin (analyst), and Kira K. Dixon (reporter), will provide expert commentary and insights for the semifinal and final games.
Excitement Builds as Teams Compete for Olympic Glory
The atmosphere at Rock Creek Curling is sure to be electric as these teams vie for the chance to represent the United States on the global stage. Each team brings a unique dynamic and strategy to the ice, from the familial bond of the Hamiltons to the veteran experience of John Shuster and Aileen Geving. The competition is fierce, and every match could be a turning point in the journey to the 2025 World Championships and beyond. Fans and supporters will have the opportunity to witness some of the best mixed doubles curling the United States has to offer, making this a must-see event for curling enthusiasts and Olympic fans alike.
Looking Ahead to the Men’s and Women’s Trials
While the mixed doubles trials are a crucial step, the broader Olympic curling selection process continues with the men’s and women’s trials. These events are scheduled to take place from November 7 to November 16, 2023, at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The men’s and women’s trials will follow a similar format, with preliminary rounds, playoffs, and finals to determine the teams that will represent the United States in the 2026 Winter Olympics. The anticipation for these trials is just as high, as they will feature some of the country’s top curlers competing for the chance to participate in one of the most prestigious winter sports events in the world.
