First Americans to win silver in mixed doubles curling speak about the match

American Olympians Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin made history at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, by becoming the first athletes from the United States to secure a silver medal in the mixed doubles curling event. Following their podium finish in February 2026, the duo appeared on NBC News to reflect on their high-stakes performance and the intensive preparation required to compete against the world's elite programs. Their historic achievement marks a significant milestone for U.S. Curling, which has traditionally struggled to reach the championship finals in the mixed doubles discipline. During their interview, Thiesse and Dropkin discussed the intense pressure of the final match and the tactical nuances that defined their silver-medal run. They emphasized the chemistry required for mixed doubles, a fast-paced version of the sport that features only two players per team rather than the traditional four. The pair noted that while the gold proved elusive, the silver medal serves as a testament to the growing infrastructure and talent pool within the American curling community, which has seen a surge in professional development over the last quadrennial. The silver medalists also touched upon the broader cultural shift surrounding their sport, noting that curling has transitioned from a niche curiosity to a mainstream winter staple in the United States. They credited increased television coverage and the accessibility of streaming platforms like Peacock for bringing the sport to a younger, more diverse audience. As the 2026 Milan Cortina Games continue, the duo expressed hope that their success will inspire a new generation of American curlers to take up the broom and compete on the international stage.