CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The youngest curling team in the Olympic tournament delivered a stunning upset Sunday morning, as Team USA overcame defending champions Sweden with an 8-5 victory. Ben Richardson, a key player on the team, expressed his disbelief at their achievement, highlighting the surreal nature of the moment for a squad comprising entirely of athletes under 27 years old.
Building on a growing confidence, the U.S. team, consisting of four players, controlled the game for most of the match. This win at the Milan Cortina Games raised their record to 3-2, showcasing a blend of youth and composure that has become their hallmark despite their lack of extensive international competition experience.
“We know these teams are tough, but we believe in ourselves,” Richardson said after the victory. “Our aim from the start was to win, and we’re thrilled to add crucial victories to our list.”
The turning point came in the fourth end when Team USA capitalized on a surprising mistake from Swedish skip Niklas Edin. His uncharacteristic miss on a critical takeout allowed U.S. captain Danny Casper to draw a perfect shot, scoring three points and taking a 4-2 lead. The celebration from teammate Aidan Oldenburg, who couldn’t help but scream in excitement, reflected the team’s growing belief in their capabilities.
Team USA further solidified its lead by scoring another point in the sixth end and stealing a pivotal point in the seventh. Casper made a gutsy call that paid off, maneuvering his own stone to eliminate Sweden’s opportunity. Edin’s subsequent throw failed to connect, allowing the Americans to extend their lead to 6-3 with three ends remaining.
“We capitalized on their mistakes and executed our shots when we needed to,” Richardson noted.
Despite a valiant effort from Sweden, who managed to score two points in the eighth end, Team USA quickly responded with two points of their own in the ninth. Facing a daunting task in the tenth end, Casper delivered his game-high 14th takeout, prompting the Swedish squad to concede, sealing a momentous victory for Team USA.
“This win feels fantastic,” Richardson added, acknowledging the importance of the match. Luc Violette supported the cause with 13 takeouts of his own, contributing to Team USA’s impressive 84 percent success rate.
Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson admitted his team struggled with the ice conditions, hindering their performance. The 2022 world champions, now sitting at a disappointing 1-4 in the tournament, are tasked with quick adjustments to remain competitive. “We need to adapt to the ice quicker and aim for eight perfect shots each end,” Eriksson said, emphasizing the necessity of focusing on their game strategy.
As Team USA sits fifth in the standings and eyes qualification for the semifinals, they prepare for their next match against Norway. “We’re focused on improving with every game,” Richardson said. “Our goal is to continue honing our skills and reading the ice better. Progress, little by little, is key for us.”
With the pressure mounting and the competition heating up, Team USA remains determined to build on their current momentum as they navigate the remaining games of the round-robin stage.