Brett Gallant is set to create history at the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics by becoming the first Canadian curler to participate in two different disciplines at the same Winter Games. This milestone achievement is expected to level the playing field by eliminating the advantage that some countries had in previous Olympics when their athletes competed in both mixed doubles and four-player events.
Curling Canada modified its policy for this Olympic cycle, allowing players to compete in multiple events. This decision not only provides curlers with two opportunities to reach the podium but also equips teams with valuable insights into the ice conditions, rocks, and gameplay scenarios.
Team Jacobs coach Paul Webster expressed excitement about Gallant’s unique position, as he will have the opportunity to familiarize himself with the Olympic ice ahead of the Games. Gallant, alongside partner Jocelyn Peterman, will kick off the competition in mixed doubles on February 4 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
Following the mixed doubles event, Gallant will join forces with the Canadian men’s team led by skip Brad Jacobs for their opening game a week later. The Canadian women’s team, headed by Rachel Homan, will commence their campaign on February 12.
Webster highlighted the advantage of having an “advanced scout” like Gallant, who possesses exceptional skills in reading ice conditions and strategizing. The presence of mixed doubles coaches Scott Pfeifer and Laine Peters further enhances the team’s preparation by providing valuable insights on rocks and ice details.
All three Olympic teams, including Gallant’s, are scheduled to participate in training camps in Europe before the Games begin. Gallant expressed his satisfaction with the hard work that has led to achieving their goals, emphasizing the incredible feeling of seeing their efforts pay off.
Canada’s previous policy prohibited athletes from competing in both disciplines to prevent excessive fatigue. Despite winning 12 Olympic curling medals since 1998, Canada has not secured a team gold since the 2014 Sochi Games. Jacobs claimed the men’s gold that year, while Jennifer Jones secured the women’s title.
In the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, Canada won gold in mixed doubles but did not secure a four-player medal. Other countries, like Sweden and Britain, have successfully navigated competing in multiple disciplines at previous Games.
Gallant and Peterman earned their Olympic berth last May after winning the mixed doubles trials. Curling Canada’s CEO Nolan Thiessen highlighted the advantage of Gallant’s early exposure to the venue, ice conditions, and overall environment, which could benefit the entire team.
The Olympic qualification event, serving as a final chance for teams to secure their spot in the Winter Games, is set to begin at the Kelowna Curling Club in B.C. The competition will determine the final two entries in the women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles draws for the Milan Cortina Olympics, with teams competing until December 18.