Power Cut, Precision and a Statement Win for Team GB
Great Britain’s mixed doubles curling pair Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat opened their Milano Cortina 2026 campaign with a composed 8–6 victory over Norway in a match interrupted by a brief power outage that plunged the arena into semi-darkness just minutes into play.
Curling, often dubbed “chess on ice”, became the first sport of the Games to begin competition, and the Scottish duo immediately underlined their medal credentials inside the historic Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
Revenge Against Norway’s Olympic Silver Medallists
The result carried extra significance. Norway’s Kristin Skaslien and Magnus Nedregotten, the Olympic silver medallists from Beijing 2022, had edged Dodds and Mouat in a semi-final thriller four years earlier, sealing victory with the final stone.
This time, however, Team GB controlled the key moments. After losing the opening end, they responded by taking three points in the second, led 4–3 at the break, and seized command in the sixth end when Dodds produced a superb draw to score three.
“It was very back-and-forth,” Dodds said. “Once we worked out one side of the ice was curling more, we took a step up in performance and controlled the game from there.”
Norway narrowed the gap using the power play, but Mouat and Dodds responded in kind in the final end to close out a confident win.
Disco Lights and a Calm Response
Four minutes into play, all four matches were halted after a power failure caused the lights to flicker inside the venue. The interruption barely disturbed the British pair.
“I didn’t mind the lights going off,” said Mouat. “It was a bit of a boogie, a rave … it was like a nightclub.”
When play resumed, Team GB remained composed, never again trailing in the contest.
Sweden Cruise as Officials End Match Early
Elsewhere in mixed doubles, Sweden’s sibling pairing Isabella and Rasmus Wranå raced into a dominant position against South Korea. After stealing four points and then another in the sixth end, Sweden led 10–3, before officials mistakenly believed seven ends had been completed and ended the match early, despite South Korea hoping to continue.
Canada’s married duo Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant also made a strong start, defeating the Czech Republic 10–5 after building a commanding early lead.
What’s Next: Estonia and the Czech Republic
Dodds and Mouat now face a demanding Thursday schedule:
- Estonia at 09:05 GMT
- Czech Republic at 18:05 GMT
Estonia arrive buoyed despite defeat, having pushed Switzerland to an extra end in a 9–7 loss on their Olympic debut — a warning that Team GB cannot afford complacency.
Skeleton Helmet Ban Clouds Team GB Medal Hopes
Away from the ice, Great Britain’s Olympic campaign has been hit by controversy in skeleton. The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) has launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after the international federation ruled that the team’s new helmets, featuring aerodynamic ridges, were not compliant with regulations.
The timing is critical. Britain’s Matt Weston and Marcus Wyatt, who have won all seven World Cup races this season, are strong favourites for gold and silver in Milan. A ruling against the helmets could significantly disrupt their preparations just days before competition begins.
Early Momentum for Team GB
Between a statement curling win over Olympic silver medallists, a packed schedule ahead, and uncertainty hanging over skeleton, Team GB’s opening day at Milano Cortina delivered both momentum and intrigue — setting the tone for a Games already rich in drama.
