In a stunning upset that has the sports world buzzing, the U.S. women's curling team achieved something no American squad had ever done before: they defeated Canada in the Olympics. Yes, you read that right—an Olympic first! This victory, secured in a heart-stopping 9-8 match on Friday, February 13, 2026, wasn't just a win; it was a historic moment that shattered a decades-long streak of Canadian dominance in the sport.
But here's where it gets even more fascinating: the U.S. team, led by skip Tabitha Peterson, didn't fully grasp the magnitude of their achievement until after the game. "If that's true, I think we just played a really good game," said Taylor Anderson-Heide, a Minneapolis native, with a mix of humility and pride. "They're No. 1 in the world." Her teammate, Tara Peterson, added with a grin, "It just always feels really good to beat Rachel Homan. Any team that can do that—that's pretty impressive."
Canada, a curling powerhouse that has medaled in every Winter Games since the sport was introduced in 1998, had never lost to the U.S. women—until now. This victory echoes the U.S. men's team, who first defeated Canada in the 2018 round-robin and again in the semifinals on their way to a gold medal in Pyeongchang. But is this the beginning of a new era in curling, or just a fleeting moment of glory?
Friday's match was a masterclass in strategy and resilience. The U.S. team capitalized on a few uncharacteristic mistakes by Canada, turning the tide in their favor. After the final stone was thrown, the Americans celebrated with raised fists, their triumph a testament to their hard work and teamwork. "Apparently, we've never beat them in the Olympics before," Tara Peterson told The Associated Press. "That makes it just extra special."
This year's U.S. women's curling team is a unique blend of approachability and ambition. Alongside Tabitha and Tara Peterson (who, by the way, are sisters), the team features Cory Thiesse, a cool-under-pressure athlete who already has a silver medal in mixed doubles, and Aileen Geving, a Minnesota native serving as an alternate. What sets this team apart? Three of them juggle curling with full-time careers—Tara is a dentist, Tabitha a pharmacist, and Thiesse a lab technician—and three are mothers to young children. Is this the ultimate proof that you can excel in sports while balancing a 'normal' life?
Tara Peterson gave birth to her son, Eddie, in September 2024, while Tabitha welcomed her daughter, Noelle, just months later. Geving became a mother to Sienna after the 2018 Games. Their ability to thrive in both their personal and professional lives is a testament to the accessibility and inclusivity of curling. "That's the cool thing about the sport of curling," Tara told CBS News Minnesota. "Your average Joe is playing against Olympians, and we're friends. After the game, we'll sit down, have dinner, have a beer. It's just a normal life."
Tabitha Peterson summed up their mindset perfectly: "I think of the Olympics as just another tournament. It's another competition. And try not to focus like, 'Oh my God, we're at the Olympics.'" This grounded approach may be the secret to their success.
With several matches left in the round-robin before the semifinals next Friday, the U.S. team sits at 2-1, having also defeated Korea and lost to Sweden. But their victory over Canada is the one that will be remembered for years to come. Is this the year the U.S. women's curling team makes a run for gold, or will Canada reclaim their throne? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one debate you won't want to miss!
