sports
February 14, 2026
Sweeping romance: the married couples of Cortina’s Winter Olympic curling rink
Partners on and off the ice talk about the tensions and joys of competing alongside the ones they love at the Winter Olympics
TL;DR
- Several married couples competed against each other in mixed doubles curling at the Winter Olympics.
- The unique nature of competing with a spouse adds significant tension and stress, demanding quick decision-making, trust, and forgiveness.
- Athletes describe the experience as a 'competitive lovers’ stress test,' where personal relationships are intertwined with athletic outcomes.
- Some couples found that the pressure of not letting their partner down affected their performance.
- Relationships evolved in different ways; some couples formed on the ice and later dated, while others dated first and then teamed up for competition.
- Balancing elite athletic careers with family life, including raising young children, presents additional challenges for these couples.
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