Sweden Stun USA with Last-Stone Thriller to Claim Mixed Doubles Curling Gold at Milano Cortina 2026

Sweden captured mixed doubles curling gold at the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026 with a thrilling 6-5 victory over Team USA in the final on Tuesday, February 10. Trailing 5-4 entering the eighth and final end, Isabella Wranå scored two points with her last stone to clinch victory alongside her brother Rasmus Wranå in one of the most dramatic finishes of the Games.

The Wranå siblings displayed remarkable composure under pressure at the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio in Cortina. After Team USA's Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin built a 5-4 advantage heading into the final end, Sweden had hammer advantage and made it count. Isabella Wranå delivered a perfectly weighted final stone that curled into the house, securing two points and breaking American hearts.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, silver medalists Thiesse and Dropkin made history for Team USA. This marks the United States' first medal in Olympic mixed doubles curling since the discipline was added to the Winter Games program. Thiesse became the first American woman to ever win an Olympic curling medal, a milestone achievement for USA Curling. The duo had earned their spot in the final after a memorable semifinal victory over Great Britain on Monday.

Sweden's gold medal performance showcased the tactical brilliance and ice-reading skills that have made them one of curling's premier nations. The Wranå siblings navigated a tense back-and-forth battle throughout the match, with neither team able to pull away. Their ability to execute under the most intense pressure exemplified Olympic excellence and added another gold medal to Sweden's impressive curling legacy.

The mixed doubles curling event has provided some of the most compelling drama at Milano Cortina 2026. The format's fast-paced nature and strategic complexity have captivated audiences throughout the tournament. Tuesday's final lived up to expectations, delivering a finish that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of these Winter Games. For Sweden, it represents another triumph in their storied Olympic history, while Team USA's silver medal signals the continued growth and development of American curling on the world stage.