Curling's Olympic Qualification Event 2025: Women's playoff field set, USA men advance
The United States women's curling team secured their spot in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 after a dramatic final-ticket playoff win at the Olympic Qualification Event 2025 in Kelowna on December 9th.
The tension was palpable as the U.S. and Germany battled in the final women's round-robin session, knowing the winner would advance and the loser would miss out. Tabitha Peterson's team rose to the challenge, dominating early with a 2-0 lead after two ends, then stealing single points in the third and fourth ends for a commanding 4-0 lead.
Germany responded with a 2-point score in the fifth end, but the U.S. kept up the pressure. Despite Sara Messenzehl's rink narrowing the gap to 6-5 with a 2-point score in the ninth end, Peterson's team responded with a decisive 3-point score to secure a 9-5 victory.
"It was a fantastic day," USA's third, Cory Thiesse, told Olympics.com afterward. "We knew we just needed to win both games and see what else happened. We're thrilled with our performance today."
In other curling action, Norway secured the top seed in the playoffs after a thrilling extra-end 10-9 victory over Japan. Yoshimura Sayaka and her team, undefeated in Kelowna, seemed set for victory until a dramatic four-point sixth end from Norway turned the tide.
Japan, from leading to trailing, tied the score at 9-9 in the tenth end, forcing an 11th. However, the Norwegians, with the hammer advantage, stayed on course to record their first victory over Japan since 2006.
Following the event format, Norway and Japan will face off again on Wednesday to decide which team claims the first quota for Milano Cortina 2026. The loser will then play the United States to determine the second-place finisher.
The Philippines, meanwhile, are also in the running, with their last shot at the Olympic dream approaching. "Now it's all about believing," they say.
*Note: Athletes' participation in Milano Cortina 2026 depends on their National Olympic Committees selecting them to represent their countries.
