Mark Callan's Viral Moment at the Winter Olympics
Mark Callan, a 61-year-old ice technician from Glasgow, has become an unexpected viral sensation at the Winter Olympics. Known for his distinctive moonwalking movements down the curling rink, Callan has captured the attention of social media users worldwide.
Callan, who has participated in three previous Winter Olympics, was seen shuffling backwards along the sheet inside the nearly empty Cortina Curling Stadium, wearing a backpack and spraying water droplets onto the ice—a process known as pebbling. This technique is essential for preparing the ice surface for curling matches.
Various clips of Callan's movements have been set to music, highlighting his delicate steps, and have inspired parodies. A Norwegian broadcaster humorously described him as "scooting" down the sheet amid laughter. The lighthearted attention has extended to Callan's friends and family, who have reacted with amusement.
"They've been like 'dearie me, what are you up to?'" Callan told . "They're quite enjoying seeing some of the things out there and some of the comments as well.
"It seems to have just taken off but all I'm doing is my job. If, with all the doom and gloom in the world, it puts a smile on people's face, then I'm fine with that."
From Aberfoyle to the Winter Olympics
Callan's journey to the Winter Olympics began in Aberfoyle, where he first encountered curling at the Forest Hills rink after being intrigued by the sport on television. Although the rink no longer exists, Callan recalls his early experiences vividly, including frequent falls.
His curiosity deepened when he observed someone pebbling the ice and sought to learn more about the process. This interest eventually led him to his current role at the Olympics.
Explaining his technique, Callan said he wears a gravity-fed backpack containing 15 litres of water, which he uses to sprinkle droplets of varying sizes onto the ice. These droplets freeze almost immediately and are later cleared by players' sweeping brushes during matches.
The "sharp steps" he takes are deliberate, designed to maintain balance on the slippery surface and ensure an even distribution of water.
Since mid-January, Callan has been working at the Cortina Curling Stadium in Italy, marking his fourth Olympic appearance. Upon arrival, he encountered a venue undergoing significant renovations, with a concrete floor and contractors present. The stadium, traditionally an ice hockey venue, has been adapted for curling.
The Cortina Curling Stadium, originally an open-air arena that hosted the 1956 Winter Games, now features a roof but retains many original elements, including wooden bleachers. These characteristics present unique challenges for Callan and his team in managing the ice conditions.
Despite these challenges, the venue has received positive feedback from players and fans alike.
"I think the word iconic is used a lot, and with the real mix of old and new, it's just a phenomenal venue," Callan said. "And it looks really good on TV as well."
For viewers in the UK, two live streams and highlights are available on BBC , with updates on BBC Radio 5 Live and live text commentary and video highlights accessible via the website and app.
