In a landmark moment for American curling, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse earned a silver medal in the mixed doubles event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming the first U.S. team to medal in this discipline and making Thiesse the first American woman to win an Olympic curling medal.
The gold medal match took place on Tuesday, February 10, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where the American duo faced Sweden’s sibling pair, Isabella and Rasmus Wranå. In a tightly contested game, Sweden emerged victorious with a 6-5 win after securing two points in the final end. Despite the loss, Dropkin and Thiesse displayed remarkable skill and composure, embracing in an emotional hug that reflected both disappointment and pride in their historic achievement.
This silver medal holds profound significance for U.S. curling history. Prior to this, the United States had only two Olympic curling medals, both from the men’s team, with the last being a bronze in 2018. Dropkin and Thiesse’s podium finish not only breaks new ground in mixed doubles but also marks a 20-year anniversary since the first U.S. curling medal was won in Italy, creating a full-circle moment for the sport.
Korey Dropkin, a 31-year-old from Massachusetts, brought an infectious energy to the ice, often engaging with the crowd and showcasing a flashy style that contrasted with the typically quiet nature of curling. Growing up in a curling family, he started at age five and has been a lifelong devotee, working as a realtor when not competing. His partnership with Thiesse, forged over drinks in a Duluth pub, has proven highly effective, culminating in a World Championship win in 2023.
Cory Thiesse, 29, from Duluth, Minnesota, provided a steady counterbalance to Dropkin’s exuberance. Hailing from a curling hotbed, she grew up around the sport, with her mother being a senior champion. Thiesse’s clutch performances, particularly in hammer throws, were crucial throughout the tournament. Her achievement as the first American woman to win a curling medal is a milestone she hopes will inspire future generations of female curlers.
The duo’s journey to the Olympics was marked by consistent success, including their 2023 World Championship title. At the Milano Cortina Games, they navigated a challenging round-robin, upset defending champion Italy in the semifinals, and secured their place in the final. Their rise from relative obscurity to Olympic medalists has captivated audiences, with social media followings surging during the event.
In post-match interviews, both athletes expressed mixed emotions. ‘It was a great game. We just needed to be a little bit sharper,’ Thiesse said, while Dropkin added, ‘We’re Olympic silver medalists. We have a lot to smile about.’ They emphasized the support from fans and family, with Thiesse noting, ‘This is the pinnacle of our sport, and to be able to showcase it means everything.’
Beyond personal accolades, Dropkin and Thiesse’s success could signal a turning point for curling in the United States. The sport has long struggled to maintain interest outside Olympic years, but their charismatic performances and the upcoming launch of the professional Rock League offer hope for sustained growth. Both athletes are part of Frontier, a U.S.-based team in the new league, which aims to bring curling to a wider audience through television deals.
Looking ahead, Thiesse will immediately shift focus to the women’s team event, which begins on Thursday, giving her another shot at Olympic glory. For Dropkin, the silver medal fulfills a childhood dream and reinforces his passion for the sport. Their historic week in Cortina may indeed be the catalyst for a curling revolution, inspiring new participants and elevating the profile of curling in America.
