Just days before the wheelchair curling events kick off at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, a major incident has shaken the scene. This 14th edition of the Games not only brings together around 665 athletes competing for 79 medals across six sports, but also marks Italy’s third time as Paralympic host and its second winter edition since Turin 2006.
This year, wheelchair curling takes center stage with two thrilling competitions: the debut of mixed doubles from March 4 to 11, and the mixed team event running from March 7 to 14.
Winter Paralympics Curling Incident
Ahead of the start of the mixed doubles event on March 4 at 19:05 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, two days before the official Opening Ceremony on March 6, two curling stones for the event were stolen. World Curling spokesperson Chris Hamilton confirmed in an email that the two stones, which were also used in the Olympic mixed doubles, were taken from the venue.
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The stolen stones are made of granite from Scotland’s Ailsa Craig, weigh about 42 pounds each, and are valued at about £750 each. World Curling confirmed that the theft was discovered during a routine check on Monday, and that authorities are still investigating how it happened.
Replacement stones were quickly sourced, with the theft playing no part in affecting the start of the mixed doubles event on Wednesday. The Paralympic mixed doubles teams were made aware of the situation at a team meeting on Tuesday, which included the USA, Japan, and China.
Laura Dwyer And Steve Emt Reflect On First Match In Milan
Team USA’s Laura Dwyer and Steve Emt opened their mixed doubles campaign on March 4 with a commanding 11-6 victory over Latvia. After a tense 6-6 tie through six ends, the Americans surged ahead with a decisive power play in the seventh, putting themselves in strong company alongside Estonia, China, and Italy.
Following the match, Dwyer and Emt shared their thoughts on the game. Emt recalled a pivotal moment when, leading by just one point, he offered Dwyer a motivating pep talk.
“I had to cover the mic a few times. No, no, not at all! We’re harsh, but it’s about caring for each other and picking each other up when one’s down.”
“I’m really excited about being here and even more so that it’s this mixed doubles debut, so a brand new discipline, first time in the Paralympic Games,” Dwyer told Olympics.com. “Steve and I coming together and doing this thing feels really good.”
Session 2 kicks off today at 10:05 CET (4:05 AM ET), as Dwyer and Emt of Team USA take on Japan, eager to build on their impressive Paralympic debut.
