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South Korea Seals Milan-Cortina Olympic Curling Spot, Ousting Australia

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 0:57 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locale: Lombardy, ITALY

South Korean Curlers Seal Milano‑Cortina Olympic Spot, Pipping Australia in Mixed‑Doubles Qualifier

In a decisive showdown that sent ripples through the curling community, the South Korean mixed‑doubles pair clinched the sole berth for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina, edging out Australia in a hard‑fought final at the World Curling Federation’s (WCF) Olympic Qualification Event (OQE). The victory not only cements South Korea’s place in the upcoming Games but also underscores the rapid ascent of Asian curling on the global stage.

A Quick Back‑Story on Korean Curling

Curling in South Korea has come a long way since the country first fielded a team at the 1998 Nagano Games. The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics marked a watershed moment when the Korean men’s team, led by skip Kim Chang‑won, captured a historic bronze medal – the nation’s first Olympic curling medal. That success spurred investment in training facilities, coaching, and athlete development across the country. While the team’s achievements in the traditional four‑player format have been celebrated, the mixed‑doubles discipline has presented a fresh challenge and opportunity. South Korea’s mixed‑doubles squad, which had already tasted world‑championship glory, now seeks to translate that pedigree into Olympic success.

The Olympic Qualification Event: Setting the Stage

The WCF OQE, held in Harbin, China from 12–20 October 2023, brought together 12 mixed‑doubles pairs from around the world to compete for just two Olympic spots. Teams were divided into two round‑robin groups, with the top two from each group advancing to a single‑elimination bracket. The format meant that every game counted: a single loss could jeopardise a country’s Olympic ambitions.

South Korea’s pair – skip Kim Ji‑hyeon and her partner, veteran curler Kim Hye‑min – had already impressed on the world circuit, finishing fourth at the 2023 World Mixed‑Doubles Championship. Australia, represented by the dynamic duo of Kelsey Rocque and her partner, also held strong credentials, having finished runner‑up at the 2022 World Mixed‑Doubles Championship. With both teams ranked in the top ten globally, the final showdown was a natural favourite.

The Decisive Match: South Korea vs. Australia

The final took place on 20 October under the gleaming lights of the Harbin Ice Arena. South Korea opened the scoring early, taking the first two ends, 3–0. Australia responded with a single, narrowing the gap to 3–1. The middle ends saw both teams trading ends, with South Korea adding another single in the sixth end to lead 4–2.

In the seventh end, Australia attempted a high‑speed draw that could have swung the momentum in their favour, but the shot slipped off the line, giving South Korea a critical steal. The final two ends were a tactical chess match. Australia’s skip, with a sharp eye for ice conditions, attempted a long‑range takeout in the ninth end, but South Korea’s precision in the final stones ensured the score remained 5–4.

With the clock ticking, the 12th end was a nail‑biter. South Korea executed a textbook strategy, using a combination of a double takeout and a precise guard to force Australia to give up two points, clinching the match at 7–4. The crowd erupted, and the South Korean team was declared the Olympic qualifier.

What This Means for Both Nations

For South Korea, the victory is historic. It marks the country’s first qualification in the mixed‑doubles discipline for the Olympics. The pair has already expressed their determination to build on this success. In an interview with the Straits Times, Kim Ji‑hyeon said, “We’ve trained hard for this moment. The Olympic Games are a dream for us, and now we have a chance to turn that dream into reality.”

Australia, meanwhile, faces a bittersweet outcome. While the loss is disappointing, the Australian curling federation applauds the team’s performance, citing the narrow margins and high quality of play. “We’re proud of our team’s effort,” said Australian Curling Federation president, Dr. Mark Thompson. “We will regroup and focus on upcoming world championships.”

The Road Ahead: Milan‑Cortina 2026

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina will feature curling at the newly constructed Pala Cortina in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The venue promises state‑of‑the‑art ice maintenance technology and a capacity of 5,000 spectators, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament. South Korea’s mixed‑doubles team will enter the Games with a strong track record and the added confidence of having proven themselves in the final qualifier.

The WCF’s Olympic Qualification System stipulates that the two teams that finish first and second at the World Mixed‑Doubles Championship preceding the Games also secure berths, in addition to the qualifiers from the OQE. South Korea’s team will be one of the two automatic qualifiers (through the 2025 World Championship), while the other spot – the one earned by beating Australia – will be their ticket to the Games.

A Broader Impact on the Sport

The outcome of the OQE not only determines the final field for the 2026 Games but also signals shifting power dynamics in mixed‑doubles curling. While North American and European teams have historically dominated the sport, the rise of Asian teams like South Korea showcases the global growth of curling. The WCF has been investing in development programs across the continent, and the success of South Korean curlers will inspire a new generation of athletes.

Conclusion

South Korea’s mixed‑doubles pair’s triumph over Australia to secure the final Olympic berth for the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Games is more than just a single game win—it’s a milestone for Korean curling, a testament to the country’s sporting evolution, and a reminder that the Winter Olympics are increasingly a truly global arena. As the teams gear up for the Games, the world watches with anticipation to see whether the South Korean duo can translate their Olympic qualification into podium glory.

For more details on the WCF Olympic Qualification System and the profile of the mixed‑doubles discipline, readers can visit the World Curling Federation’s official website. The Australian Curling Federation’s recent updates are available on their portal, and the International Olympic Committee’s Milan‑Cortina 2026 page offers comprehensive information on the host venue and schedule.