Can Women's Curlers Finally Achieve Their Medal Dreams?

Team GB's women's curling team, led by Olympic champion Jen Dodds, is setting its sights on a medal at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, despite being underdogs. With a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, the team is focused on both performance and enjoyment, promising a competitive spirit as they prepare to face China in their opening match.

Last updated: 6 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The GB women's curling team is gearing up for their first match in the Winter Olympics, taking place on 6 February 2026. As the defending champions from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, they are navigating a new lineup with only Dodds remaining from the previous gold-medal winning team. The squad is aiming to build on recent performances, including a silver medal at the European Championships and a sixth-place finish at the World Championships.

Key takeaways

Jen Dodds is the only returning member from the last Olympic winning team.
The team aims for a medal but prioritises performance over hardware.
Recent competitions indicate competitive potential against strong teams like China.

Timeline: how we got here

The path to the Winter Olympics has been marked by key events:

February 2022: Team GB wins gold in curling at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
November 2022: The team secures a silver medal at the European Championships.
April 2023: A sixth-place finish at the World Championships in South Korea highlights areas for growth.
February 2026: The Winter Olympics in Cortina commence, with Team GB starting their campaign.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The team's attitude going into the games has evolved, with a strong emphasis on individual performance and team cohesion over merely winning medals. This pragmatic approach aims to alleviate pressure and allow players to perform at their best.

What was already established

Previously, Team GB was viewed as underdogs, with many sceptics doubting their chances due to the significant changes in the lineup. However, their past experiences and recent performances have shown that they are capable of competing at a high level.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the Winter Olympics gains momentum, interest in curling is likely to surge, encouraging more viewers and possibly boosting participation in the sport at the grassroots level across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

Increased attention on curling could benefit local businesses in areas where curling facilities are located. This may lead to a rise in job opportunities related to event management, coaching, and facility maintenance.

Policy and regulation

As Team GB competes, the UK government may consider increased funding and support for winter sports, especially after the national team's performances in international competitions.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of remaining members from the previous Olympic gold medal-winning team.
2: The number of live streams available for UK audiences on BBC iPlayer.
6: The placement of Team GB at the World Championships earlier this year, showing potential for improvement.
18:05 GMT: The scheduled start time for the opening match against China.
2026: The year of the current Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

Definitions and jargon buster

Curling: A team sport played on ice where players slide stones towards a target area.
Mixed doubles: A curling format that features teams of one male and one female player.
Lead: The player who throws the first stone in a curling team.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the competition unfolds, the team will focus on adapting strategies based on their performance in initial matches, particularly their opener against China.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Regardless of the outcomes in Cortina, the team will likely evaluate their performance and plan for the next competitive season, including European Championships and World Championships.

Signals to watch

Results from early matches in the Olympics.
Individual player performances and any changes in team dynamics.
Media coverage and public engagement in curling post-Olympics.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow the matches live for real-time updates on Team GB's progress.
Engage in local curling events to support grassroots participation.
Stay informed about upcoming competitions and Team GB's schedule.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the team's potential based on their current ranking.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the sport through coverage and analysis.
Don’t overlook the importance of mental resilience in competitive sports.

Checklist

Check local listings for live coverage of the Winter Olympics.
Review the curling rules to better understand the games.
Follow Team GB’s journey on social media for updates and insights.
Explore nearby curling clubs if interested in trying the sport.
Consider the impact of the Olympics on UK winter sports funding.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Despite the team's optimistic outlook, uncertainties remain regarding their performance. The pressure of the Olympics can impact athletes differently, and the outcome of matches can be unpredictable. Furthermore, the evolving competition landscape means that strong teams like China could pose significant challenges.

Bottom line

Team GB's women's curling team enters the Winter Olympics with a balanced focus on performance and enjoyment. While they are not among the top favourites, their recent form suggests they could be dark horses. Their journey in Cortina will be one to watch, highlighting the growth of curling in the UK.

FAQs

What are Team GB's chances of winning a medal in curling?

While Team GB is not considered a favourite, their recent silver at the European Championships suggests they have a competitive edge, making a medal possible.

Who is the captain of the women's curling team?

Jen Dodds is leading the women's team, bringing experience and skill from her previous Olympic success.

When does Team GB's first curling match take place?

The team will play their first match against China on 6 February 2026 at 18:05 GMT.