After a distinguished career spanning three decades in Canadian curling, Brad Gushue, a prominent figure in the sport, has accepted a new role. Gushue, who recently retired from competitive play at the age of 45, has been appointed as the high-performance director for USA Curling. In an interview with CBC Sports, Gushue expressed his pride in being Canadian but highlighted the appeal of the opportunity offered by USA Curling due to the absence of a similar position in Canada.
Having consulted with respected individuals in the sport, including former Curling Canada high performance director Gerry Peckham, Gushue felt confident in his decision to take on this new challenge. His wealth of experience and expertise in curling, combined with his business background, made the role a natural fit for him as he sought a way to remain connected to the sport post-retirement.
Despite some concerns about the political climate between Canada and the U.S., Gushue emphasized that his decision to join USA Curling was based on his suitability for the role and his excitement about contributing to the development of the sport in the United States. USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell echoed this sentiment, highlighting Gushue’s meticulous approach, business acumen, and leadership qualities as valuable assets for the organization as they aim for success in future competitions, including the upcoming Olympics.
Acknowledging the significance of his move, Gushue expressed his commitment to nurturing talent and building a strong program for U.S. curlers. With an impressive track record that includes multiple Brier wins, Olympic medals, and other titles, Gushue is optimistic about the potential for growth and increased visibility of curling in the U.S. under his guidance.
As he embarks on his new role, Gushue is set to engage with emerging talent in the upcoming weeks, recognizing the importance of long-term success in shaping the future of the sport. While anticipating some initial challenges, particularly when faced with international competitions between Canada and the U.S., Gushue remains focused on promoting excellence in American curling while maintaining his Canadian roots.