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US Curling Team Forfeits Olympic Gold in Stunning Walk-Off

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 13:27 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, UNITED STATES, SWITZERLAND

Curling Controversy in St. Moritz: US Mixed Doubles Team Forfeits Gold Medal Match

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland - February 10, 2026 - In a stunning and unprecedented turn of events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the United States mixed doubles curling team, comprised of Tabitha Peterson and Joe Polo, walked off the ice during the gold medal match against Norway's Maia Ramsrud and Kristin Skaslien, effectively forfeiting their chance at Olympic glory. The decision stemmed from a heated disagreement with officiating officials over a crucial measurement during the eighth end of the game.

The Americans, widely considered favorites after a dominant performance throughout the round robin and playoff stages, believed a measurement made by officials was inaccurate. The specific stone in question, and the implications of the measurement, remain the focal point of the controversy. Sources close to the team state that the dispute wasn't simply about the immediate point value, but a perceived pattern of inconsistent officiating throughout the tournament. While officials attempted to explain their reasoning, Peterson and Polo remained unconvinced and ultimately chose to withdraw from the match, citing a loss of faith in the fairness of the competition.

"We're incredibly disappointed to have our Olympic journey end this way," Peterson stated in a release issued by USA Curling. "We respect the game and the integrity of competition. However, we could not, in good conscience, continue under the circumstances." The statement, while offering a degree of explanation, has fueled further speculation regarding the specifics of the dispute and the level of frustration felt by the American team.

Norway was subsequently awarded the gold medal, marking their first Olympic victory in mixed doubles curling. Ramsrud expressed disappointment with the American's decision, stating, "I'm disappointed that the Americans chose to walk away. We were ready to compete for the gold."

A Recurring Problem: Measurement Disputes in Curling

This incident isn't isolated. Curling, while known for its sportsmanship and strategic complexity, has a history of measurement controversies. The precision required to determine which stone is closer to the button - the center of the house - can be incredibly challenging, even with modern tools. In 2018, a similar dispute arose between Canada and Switzerland during the Pyeongchang Olympics, though that situation was ultimately resolved through existing appeal processes. The current incident, however, escalated to a walk-off, highlighting a potential breakdown in communication and trust between athletes and officials.

The World Curling Federation (WCF) has announced a full review of the incident, promising to examine officiating procedures and measurement protocols. Key areas of investigation are expected to include the clarity of existing rules regarding measurement disputes, the training and consistency of officials, and the availability of objective evidence - such as video replay - to support officiating decisions. Some are calling for the implementation of technology similar to that used in other sports, like Hawk-Eye in tennis, to provide indisputable proof of stone proximity.

Implications for the Future of Olympic Curling

The fallout from this event extends beyond the medal count. The US team had entered the Games with high expectations, boasting a perfect record through the preliminary rounds and a convincing semifinal victory over Sweden. Their forfeiture has sparked a wider debate about the pressure placed on athletes at the Olympic level, the responsibility of officials to maintain fairness and transparency, and the potential need for greater athlete agency in resolving disputes.

Experts suggest the WCF needs to address athlete concerns proactively. This could involve establishing a more robust appeals process, incorporating athlete representation into officiating training programs, and investing in technology to enhance the accuracy and objectivity of measurements. The integrity of the sport hinges on athletes' confidence in the fairness of the competition, and a loss of that confidence could have long-term consequences.

The immediate aftermath sees calls for a thorough investigation and increased transparency from the WCF. While the Norwegians celebrate their unexpected gold medal, the focus will undoubtedly remain on the circumstances that led to the US team's dramatic exit and the steps the WCF will take to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The question now is whether this event will serve as a catalyst for positive change within the sport of curling, or if it will remain a cautionary tale of a promising Olympic dream shattered by a disputed measurement.