USA curlers break new ground with statement victory against Canada in Milano Cortina

In a landmark moment at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, the U.S. women’s curling team delivered a stunning 9-8 victory over Canada, securing their first-ever Olympic win against the sport’s perennial powerhouse.

The nail-biting contest unfolded with high drama, as the Americans held their nerve to edge out a team long regarded as the gold standard in women’s curling.

The triumph not only shifts the narrative surrounding U.S. women’s curling but also sends a strong message to the rest of the field: this American squad is here to contend.

Minneapolis native Taylor Anderson-Heide captured the disbelief and pride within the team afterward, saying, “If that’s true, I think we just played a really good game. They’re No. 1 in the world.”

Beating the best in the world

Canada’s Team Homan entered the matchup with its formidable reputation intact, widely considered the best in the world. For years, the U.S. women had been unable to solve the Canadian puzzle on Olympic ice — until now.

Tara Peterson underscored the significance of the breakthrough. “It just always feels really good to beat (Canada skip) Rachel Homan. So any team to beat them, that’s pretty impressive,” she said.

The Americans capitalized on key Canadian errors while executing under pressure, maintaining composure as the tension mounted late in the match. When the final stone confirmed the victory, the team walked down the ice with raised fists, celebrating a milestone moment years in the making.

Reflecting further, Peterson added, “Apparently, we’ve never beat them in the Olympics before. That makes it just extra special.”

A balanced team with championship ambition

This U.S. squad blends elite competition with everyday life. Skip Tabitha Peterson leads the lineup alongside her sister Tara, Anderson-Heide, and Cory Thiesse, a mixed doubles silver medalist. Aileen Geving serves as alternate.

Beyond the rink, the team balances professional careers and family life, with three members embracing motherhood in recent years — a testament to their resilience and discipline.

Now sitting at 2-1 in round-robin play after victories over Canada and Korea, and a loss to Sweden, the Americans have positioned themselves as serious semifinal contenders. With several matches still ahead, their historic breakthrough could be the spark that propels a deeper Olympic run.