Americans Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin secured their place in the 2026 Olympic mixed doubles curling competition after an 8-4 victory over Canada at the world championships held in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Their fifth-place finish was enough to guarantee a spot in Milan-Cortina.
“While we’re disappointed to have not finished on the podium, we are beyond thrilled to have made the playoffs and secured our spot for the Olympics!” expressed Thiesse. “It’s a dream come true for both of us.”
This marks the first Olympic appearance for Dropkin, who previously placed as runner-up to five-time Olympian and 2018 gold medalist John Shuster during the U.S. men’s trials for the last two Winter Games. Meanwhile, Thiesse was an alternate for Nina Roth’s women’s team in Pyeongchang in 2018.
“We work so hard for this, and it’s rewarding to see hard work pay off,” Thiesse added. “Honored and excited to be representing the USA in Cortina!”
Thiesse and Dropkin had earned the right to represent the United States by winning the U.S. mixed doubles trials this winter, allowing them to compete at the world championships in Canada. To ensure Olympic qualification, the duo needed at least a fifth-place finish in Fredericton.
Following their win against Canada on Saturday, Thiesse and Dropkin waited anxiously for the conclusion of another match where Scotland defeated Australia 9-6, thereby securing the American duo’s spot in the upcoming games in Italy.
“It was such a strong field here, and we’re proud of the way we played against some of the best teams in the world,” Thiesse noted, reflecting on their performance.
The U.S. Olympic trials for the men’s and women’s curling teams are set to take place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this November.