Canada has been a dominant force in curling since the sport’s reinstatement in the Olympics in 1998. With six gold medals and 12 overall medals, Canada leads the pack in curling success. However, the country has not clinched an Olympic title since 2014. Despite boasting top-tier talent, like Brad Jacobs and Jennifer Jones, Canada’s recent Olympic performances have fallen short of expectations.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Olympics in Italy, Canadian curling hopes rest on the shoulders of Jacobs, Homan, and the mixed doubles pair of Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant. Shoreview Sports Analytics predicts a 63.2% chance of Canada securing at least one curling gold and a 58.7% chance of winning their first four-player Olympic title since 2014.
In the women’s event, Rachel Homan leads Canada’s charge for gold. Despite recent successes, including back-to-back world titles, Homan has faced Olympic disappointments in the past. With strong competition from Switzerland’s Silvana Tirinzoni, Homan’s gold-medal odds stand at 42.5%.
On the men’s side, Brad Jacobs represents Canada’s best shot at a medal. Jacobs, backed by a seasoned team, is a solid contender for a podium finish. However, the reigning world champion, Bruce Mouat of Great Britain, poses a significant challenge, with high chances of claiming the gold.
In mixed doubles, Canada’s duo, Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant, aims to end the country’s medal drought in the event. Despite past near misses, the pair faces tough competition from Italy, Great Britain, and the United States. Shoreview’s model gives Peterman and Gallant a 46% chance of a medal but only an 11% chance of gold.
With uncertainties and surprises expected in the mixed doubles event, Canada’s curling teams are gearing up to showcase their skills and hopefully bring home Olympic glory.