Team USA's Curling Duo Remain Unbeaten Through Five Games at Milan-Cortina Olympics

The United States mixed doubles curling team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin continued their historic run at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, improving to 5-0 in round-robin play with victories over Sweden (7-4) and South Korea (8-2) on Saturday. The dominant performances from the Duluth-based duo represent the best start to an Olympic curling tournament by any American team—men's, women's, or mixed doubles—since the sport was added to the Winter Games in 1998.

Thiesse and Dropkin's chemistry on the ice has been evident throughout their opening five matches, combining tactical precision with clutch shot-making under pressure. Their 7-4 victory over Sweden showcased their ability to control games against elite European competition, building an early lead and maintaining composure when the Swedes mounted a late challenge. The American pair executed critical shots in the eighth and final end to secure the win and maintain their unblemished record.

The performance against South Korea proved even more dominant, with Team USA racing to an insurmountable lead through six ends before cruising to the 8-2 victory. Thiesse's precise draws and Dropkin's aggressive takeouts combined to overwhelm the Korean team, who struggled to generate scoring opportunities throughout the match. The Americans' strategic decision-making and technical execution left little doubt about their credentials as genuine medal contenders.

The 5-0 start builds on an already impressive week for the American curling contingent, which earlier defeated powerhouse Norway and Switzerland in women's team competition. The mixed doubles format, which features just two players per team rather than the traditional four, demands exceptional versatility and communication. Thiesse and Dropkin have demonstrated both qualities in abundance, adapting their strategy to different opponents while maintaining consistent execution.

Their remaining round-robin matches will determine seeding for the medal rounds, with Great Britain, Canada, and several other nations still undefeated or with minimal losses. The competition intensifies as teams jockey for position heading into the knockout stages, where margins for error disappear entirely. Team USA's ability to handle pressure situations and execute under scrutiny will be tested in these crucial upcoming matches.

The Americans' remarkable start has captured attention back home and generated excitement for a sport that traditionally receives limited coverage outside Olympic years. Thiesse and Dropkin's success story—from training together in Minnesota to dominating on the sport's biggest stage—provides inspiration for the growing U.S. curling community. With several matches remaining before the medal rounds begin, the duo has positioned themselves as serious contenders to deliver Olympic gold and cement their legacy in American curling history. Their perfect record through five games demonstrates not just skill but the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level of international competition.