The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the Games so far – not in alpine skiing or figure skating, but on the curling sheet.
In a heated round-robin battle, Canada remained undefeated after defeating defending Olympic champion Sweden 8–6. But the final score tells only part of the story. The real headline? A rare and explosive cheating accusation that stunned fans worldwide and ignited debate across the curling community.
Tensions Boil Over in the Ninth End
During the ninth end of the match, Swedish third Oskar Eriksson accused Canadian third Marc Kennedy of double-touching the stone after release – a potential rules violation if confirmed.
Eriksson alleged that Kennedy made contact with the stone again after delivering it near the hog line, which would invalidate the throw under curling regulations.
Kennedy immediately and forcefully denied the accusation.
“I haven’t done it once… You can f*** off.”
The confrontation escalated in full view of cameras, with Eriksson responding that he would “show a video after the game.” Profanities were exchanged — an unusual and highly visible moment in a sport traditionally known for etiquette and respect.
What Is a Double-Touch in Curling?
To understand the controversy, it’s important to clarify the rule at the center of the dispute.
In curling:
- A player must release the stone before the hog line.
- After release, the thrower cannot touch the stone again.
- A second contact after release (a “double-touch”) is illegal.
- However, a double touch before the hog line is not a violation.
According to World Curling, umpires monitored the hog line for three ends after Sweden first raised concerns. The official statement confirmed:
“There were no hog line violations or retouches of the stone during the observation.”
In short: no rule violation was detected.
Long-Standing Rivalry Adds Fuel to the Fire
This wasn’t just any Olympic matchup.
Sweden, skipped by Niklas Edin, entered the tournament as the reigning Olympic champion from Beijing 2022. Now sitting at 0–3, the pressure is mounting.
Canada and Sweden have battled at the highest levels for over two decades. According to Kennedy, the rivalry runs deep:
“I have a ton of respect for Oskar Eriksson… I would never accuse you of cheating. I’ve been on tour for 25 years.”
Even Edin expressed disappointment at the heated exchange:
“We’re all super good friends out there… It’s just sad that it gets to heated discussions on the ice instead of just curling.”
This wasn’t just about one stone. It was about pride, pressure, history – and Olympic stakes.
Why This Moment Matters for the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics have already delivered unforgettable storylines, but this incident stands out because:
- Curling rarely sees public confrontations of this intensity.
- It highlights how razor-thin the margins are at Olympic level.
- It shows how technology and video review are increasingly central in modern competition.
- It underscores the psychological pressure defending champions face.
With Sweden winless and Canada undefeated, the competitive balance in men’s curling has dramatically shifted.
Canada’s Dominance Continues
Despite the controversy, Canada improved to 3–0 in round-robin play, reinforcing its reputation as a global curling powerhouse.
Their composure under pressure — even amid accusations — could become the defining trait of their Olympic campaign.
For Sweden, however, the situation is urgent. A 0–3 start in Olympic curling leaves little room for error if they hope to defend gold.
The Bigger Question: Integrity in Olympic Curling
The incident has sparked widespread debate:
- Should there be expanded video review in curling?
- Should hog line sensors be enhanced?
- Are rule interpretations consistent enough at the Olympic level?
As curling continues to grow globally, moments like this test not only athletes — but the governance of the sport itself.
Final Takeaway
What happened on that sheet in Milan Cortina wasn’t just a verbal spat.
It was a reminder that even in a sport built on tradition and sportsmanship, the Olympic stage amplifies every emotion.
Canada walks away undefeated.
Sweden walks away searching for answers.
And the world watches as one of the Winter Games’ most intense rivalries adds another unforgettable chapter.
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