Sweden’s women’s curling team delivered a gripping performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, edging past Switzerland 6–5 in a dramatic final to secure their fourth Olympic gold medal. Led by skip Anna Hasselborg, the team held its nerve in a match that went down to the very last stone, capping off an intense and closely contested tournament.
The final, played on February 22 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, showcased the tactical precision and mental strength that have defined Sweden’s dominance in women’s curling over the years. The narrow victory not only reaffirmed their legacy but also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the sport on the global stage.
A Final Decided by Fine Margins
Sweden made a strong start, scoring two points in the opening end, which turned out to be their only multi-point gain of the match. Switzerland responded cautiously, blanking the next two ends to retain control of the hammer. The teams then exchanged single points in the fourth and fifth ends, with Switzerland narrowing the gap to 3–1.
Momentum shifted in the sixth end when Switzerland’s Alina Pätz delivered a precise draw to level the score at 3–3. The tension continued to build as both teams played strategically, knowing that even the smallest error could prove decisive. In the seventh end, a crucial miss by Pätz allowed Sweden to steal a point, giving them a 5–3 advantage.
Refusing to back down, Switzerland fought back in the eighth end, scoring two points to tie the game at 5–5. With everything riding on the final end, the match reached a dramatic climax. Hasselborg stepped up with composure and precision, executing a flawless open draw with her final stone to secure the winning point and the gold medal for Sweden.
The moment sparked celebrations on the ice, with teammate Sara McManus capturing the emotion of the win, reflecting the disbelief and joy of the team after such a tight contest.
A Legacy Strengthened
This victory marks Anna Hasselborg’s second Olympic gold as skip, placing her among the most accomplished athletes in the sport. She now joins an elite group of curlers who have led their teams to multiple Olympic titles, building on Sweden’s gold at PyeongChang 2018 and a bronze finish at Beijing 2022.
The win also adds to the impressive records of teammates Sara McManus, Agnes Knochenhauer, and Sofia Scharback, each of whom now holds two Olympic gold medals. Hasselborg, who returned to top-level competition after becoming a mother of two in 2023, credited the team’s aggressive approach and strong chemistry as key factors in their success.
Sweden’s curling achievements at Milano Cortina 2026 extend beyond the women’s team. Earlier in the Games, siblings Rasmus and Isabella Wranå secured gold in the mixed doubles event, further underlining the country’s strength in the sport.
Switzerland’s Resurgence and Canada’s Bronze
Despite the narrow loss, Switzerland delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, earning their first Olympic women’s curling medal since 2006. Skip Silvana Tirinzoni, competing at 46, acknowledged the disappointment of falling just short while also expressing pride in her team’s journey. Their return to the podium signals a strong resurgence for Swiss curling on the Olympic stage.
Canada, another traditional powerhouse in curling, secured the bronze medal after defeating the United States 10–7 on February 21. The Canadians bounced back from a semifinal defeat to Sweden, demonstrating resilience and depth in their squad.
A Showcase of Curling Excellence
Both Sweden and Switzerland entered the final in top form, having remained unbeaten in the playoff rounds. Sweden’s semifinal victory over Canada and Switzerland’s win against the United States set the stage for a high-quality final that lived up to expectations.
The match in Cortina d’Ampezzo stood as a testament to the strategic depth and skill that define curling. Every shot carried weight, and every decision shaped the outcome. As highlights of the final circulated globally, the sport once again captured the attention of audiences, reinforcing its appeal beyond traditional winter sports nations.
For Sweden, the gold medal represents more than just another victory. It is a continuation of a legacy built on precision, teamwork, and consistency. For the rest of the world, it serves as a reminder that in curling, the smallest margins often produce the biggest moments.
