After a tough start at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA’s mixed doubles curling duo, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse, secured a spot in the gold medal game with a dramatic comeback against Italy’s reigning champions.

In their semifinal match, the American team scored three crucial points in the fourth end to take the lead, only to face a comeback from Italy, who regained the upper hand with an 8-7 lead in the seventh end. In the final round, Thiesse delivered a pivotal stone that not only earned Team USA victory but also pushed Italy’s stone out of the scoring area.

“DO YOU BELIEVE IN (CURLING) MIRACLES?! 🤯 Team USA defeats reigning gold medalists Italy to reach their first-ever mixed doubles GOLD MEDAL GAME.”
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 9, 2026

This victory propels Team USA into the gold medal match against Sweden, marking a significant moment in American curling, as they aim for their first mixed doubles medal since the event’s introduction in 2018. Team USA is currently tied for seventh in the medal count but stands distinctly with two golds, hoping to rival Norway for the most medals in the competition.