Team USA Curling Duo Reach Gold Medal Match After Stunning Upset of Defending Champions Italy

Team USA's Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse secured their place in the Olympic mixed doubles curling final with a thrilling 9-8 victory over defending champions Italy's Amos Mosaner and Stefania Constantini at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The Americans will face Sweden's sibling duo Isabella Wranå and Rasmus Wranå in the gold medal match on Tuesday, February 10, giving the United States a chance at their first-ever Olympic medal in mixed doubles curling since the event was added to the Winter Olympics in 2018.

The semifinal match on Monday was a back-and-forth battle between two evenly matched teams. Dropkin and Thiesse had lost narrowly to the Italian pair in the final game of the round robin stage, making their semifinal victory even more impressive. The Americans seized control with a crucial three-point score in the fourth end to take the lead. However, the reigning champions fought back, reclaiming an 8-7 advantage in the seventh end with three points of their own.

With the hammer in the eighth and final end, Team USA had the advantage of throwing the last stone. Thiesse delivered under immense pressure, scoring the two points needed to secure the 9-8 victory with the final stone of the match. The dramatic finish sent the American team into celebration and stunned the host nation's fans who had hoped to see Italy defend their Olympic title on home ice.

The gold medal match presents a favorable rematch for the Americans, as they defeated the Swedish siblings during the round robin stage of the competition. Isabella and Rasmus Wranå will be formidable opponents, but Dropkin and Thiesse have already proven they can beat them when it matters most. The final is scheduled for Tuesday morning at Milano Cortina, with both teams seeking their first Olympic gold medal in the event.

For Dropkin, a native of Southborough, Massachusetts, and Thiesse from Superior, Wisconsin, the opportunity represents years of dedication to the sport. The pair has worked tirelessly to reach this moment, competing in numerous international competitions and honing their skills on the world stage. Their semifinal victory over the defending champions demonstrates the growth of American curling and the team's readiness to compete for gold.

Regardless of the outcome in the final, Dropkin and Thiesse have already guaranteed at least a silver medal for the United States, marking a historic achievement for American mixed doubles curling. Their performance at Milano Cortina 2026 has captivated fans back home and put the spotlight on a sport that continues to grow in popularity across the United States. Tuesday's gold medal match will determine whether they can complete their Olympic journey with the ultimate prize.