US Edition
Olympic Curling Controversy Keeps Simmering
The 2026 Olympic curling controversy revealed inconsistent enforcement of double-touch rules, prompting calls for clearer regulations and changes in officiating from players and officials.
- On Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, Canadian curler Marc Kennedy was accused by Oskar Eriksson of illegally touching a delivered stone, prompting a viral exchange in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
- The sport's rulebook defines any touching after release as a punishable infraction, but World Curling says the sport depends on the player-enforced `spirit of curling`.
- On Monday, Swedish freelance photographer Pontus Orre photographed what appeared to be a double-touch by Brad Jacobs, and Aftonbladet published the image; World Curling officials said they do not re-umpire completed games.
- World Curling officials briefly stationed umpires courtside last Friday, then reversed after player feedback, with Kennedy denying a `premeditated` plan and Dropkin calling the focus `unfortunate`.
- Debate has pushed World Curling Federation to introduce two referees overseeing four sheets, reflecting `growing pains` balancing tradition with modern scrutiny and risking the sport's reputation and `spirit of curling`.
46 Articles
46 Articles
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Olympic curling controversy keeps simmering
"We live by this code, the spirit of curling, where you're expected to have honorable conduct on ice, but also off ice," said Beau Welling, World Curling President. "I think we're having some growing pains of balancing tradition with modern culture and society."
Associated Press News
Olympic curling controversy keeps simmering as unofficial umpires raise concerns
With the media acting like civilian umpires during the Olympic curling tournament, the sport’s governing body is increasingly finding itself in a bind.
Radio France Internationale
Curling's air of gentility melts amid cheating row
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