Tensions Escalate in Olympic Curling Match Between Canada and Sweden
Competitive sports often involve high tension, but it is unusual for a curling match to escalate into accusations of cheating accompanied by swearing and finger-pointing.
During the men's curling match between Canada and Sweden at the Winter Olympics in Cortina on Friday, emotions ran high.
The Swedish team accused a Canadian player of repeatedly double-touching his stones. This refers to releasing the handle at the correct moment but then giving the stone an additional prod with a finger to adjust its trajectory.
Sweden's skip, Niklas Edin, raised the issue with officials between the second and third ends. The dispute simmered quietly as the game progressed.
However, as the match approached the final end, frustration turned into open anger. Gestures were exchanged, and suddenly Canada's Marc Kennedy and Sweden's Oskar Eriksson were exchanging swear words across the ice.
"I don't like being accused of cheating after 25 years on tour and four Olympic Games," said Kennedy. "So I told him [Eriksson] where to stick it. He might have been upset that he was losing..."
Canada ultimately won the match 8-6, leaving the 2022 gold medal-winning Swedish rink without a victory in their first three games.
Additional Information
For those following the Winter Olympics, a day-by-day guide and full schedule including medal event times are available. The Winter Olympics 2026 medal table is also accessible.
Marc Kennedy of Canada was the player accused of double-touching stones during the match.
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