TRAVERSE CITY – Team USA competed for gold in the mixed doubles curling event in Milan on Tuesday, marking the first time the United States has ever reached the gold medal match in that category. While the U.S. team fell to Sweden to earn the silver medal, members of the Traverse City Curling Club hosted a watch party to celebrate the historic milestone.
The gathering in northern Michigan highlighted the sport’s increasing popularity and the community surrounding the local club. Beyond the final score, members noted that the national team’s success reflects the growth of the sport across the region and the high level of coordination and communication required to compete.
The sport of curling has deep historical roots, originating in Scotland. Otto Jensen, a member of the Traverse City Curling Club, said the opportunity to see the sport at an Olympic level is a significant development for its popularity in the United States. “While it hasn’t been as popular in America in the past, you know, we know that many other countries have been into it,” Jensen said. “So it goes back to golf. I mean, it dates back to the Scottish. So it’s not a young sport. It’s not a new sport. It’s an established sport.”
While the game may appear simple on the surface, players emphasize that every shot requires coordination and intense strategy. Jensen compared the competitive nature of the game to a strategic board game. “If I had an elevator pitch for you about curling, I’d say it’s like chess on ice with teammates, but ultimately it’s about community,” Jensen said. He added that the sport fosters a sense of unity that is relevant beyond the ice rink. “What I love about it is it’s, it’s it’s a sport that requires so much teamwork and communication and mammoth,” Jensen said. “That’s something we need in our world today, is just to be unified with other people and to be able to communicate well and achieve great things.”
The culture of curling often attracts new players due to its accessibility for different age groups and its focus on community. Jensen noted that the longevity of the sport allows participants to stay active and connected with their families for decades. “And it’s something that we can all do,” Jensen said. " I got involved with those sports that I can tell I’ll be able to do this for the rest of my life. I can do it with my wife. I can do it with my kids. I can do it with my grandkids. And I think that’s a powerful component."
For more information or how to get involved visit the Traverse City Curling Club website.