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Married Curling Couples Dominate Mixed Doubles

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 19:25 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: CANADA, SWITZERLAND, KOREA REPUBLIC OF, SWEDEN

Beyond the Stone: The Growing Trend of Married Couples Dominating Mixed Doubles Curling - And the Challenges They Face

BEIJING (and looking ahead to Milan-Cortina 2026) - The graceful slide of a granite stone across the ice, the strategic calculations, the shouts of "harder!" - curling has steadily gained popularity, and its mixed doubles format is proving to be a particularly compelling draw. But a fascinating trend is emerging alongside the increasing athleticism and finesse of the sport: the rise of married couples as dominant forces in mixed doubles curling. The 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina are expected to see an even greater number of husband-and-wife teams vying for the podium, raising questions about the advantages, challenges, and long-term sustainability of this unique dynamic.

While not entirely new, the visibility of teams like Canada's Rachel Homan and Dwayne Morris, and Norway's Kristin Skaslien and Magnus Vaag at recent Winter Olympics has spotlighted the complexities of blending elite athletic competition with intimate personal relationships. It's a dynamic that requires a level of communication, trust, and boundary-setting rarely seen in other sports.

So, why are married couples succeeding in mixed doubles curling? Several factors appear to be at play. Mixed doubles, unlike traditional team curling, demands an incredibly high degree of synergy between two players. Success hinges on anticipating each other's shots, seamlessly blending strategy, and compensating for any weaknesses. Years of shared life experience - understanding each other's moods, habits, and non-verbal cues - can provide an edge that other pairings struggle to replicate. This inherent connection allows for a level of intuitive play that is difficult to achieve with someone you don't share a deep personal history with.

However, the benefits aren't without considerable challenges. The pressure of Olympic competition is already immense. Add to that the complexities of navigating a loss with your spouse, and the emotional burden can be overwhelming. As Rachel Homan noted after her team's quarter-final loss in Beijing, maintaining separation between their roles as teammates and husband and wife is crucial. "We try to keep things separate, on and off the ice. When we're out there, we're just teammates. When we're not, we're husband and wife," she explained. This compartmentalization requires conscious effort and a commitment to clear communication.

Magnus Vaag of Norway echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of establishing boundaries. "It's important to have boundaries. We make sure we spend time together outside of curling, just as a couple." This seemingly simple act - prioritizing their relationship outside the demanding world of competitive curling - is vital for maintaining balance and preventing the sport from consuming their lives. Without dedicated time to reconnect as a couple, the constant pressure and scrutiny can erode the foundations of their relationship.

Beyond the emotional toll, practical considerations also come into play. Training schedules, travel demands, and sponsorship obligations can strain any relationship. Married curling couples must be exceptionally organized and supportive to ensure both partners' needs are met. This often means sacrificing individual ambitions or making compromises that wouldn't be necessary for other teams.

Looking ahead to 2026, it's likely we'll see more nations embracing this approach. Several emerging curling programs are actively pairing married athletes, recognizing the potential advantages. However, the long-term sustainability of this trend remains to be seen. Will the pressure eventually outweigh the benefits? Will the constant scrutiny impact their personal lives? Experts suggest that teams who prioritize open communication, establish clear boundaries, and consistently nurture their relationship off the ice will be best positioned for success, both on the ice and in life. The story of these teams isn't just about winning medals; it's a testament to the power of partnership, resilience, and the ability to balance the demands of elite sport with the complexities of a lasting marriage.