South Lake Tahoe Hosts First Grand Slam of Curling in the U.S.
South Lake Tahoe has become the first American venue to host a Grand Slam of Curling event, drawing 32 elite teams from seven nations, including Canada. This milestone marks a significant moment for the sport’s global reach.
Evolution of the Sport
Over the last quarter century, curling has undergone major changes, becoming faster and more athletic, with younger champions emerging on the ice.
"The sport has changed a lot even since I started playing, you know, 25 years ago. It's come a long way, getting way more athletic. Champions are getting younger and younger."
— Curling enthusiast
Canada’s Drive to Expand Curling Worldwide
Canada, a country with a devoted curling fan base, is pushing to expand interest in the sport beyond its borders.
"We've got a really niche demographic in Canada that loves the sport, so it's a challenge to grow it around the world. But you know, hence one of the reasons why we're here in Lake Tahoe."
— Mark Kennedy, Olympic Gold Medalist, Canada
Olympic Trials and Preparation
This event also serves as crucial preparation for national trials, especially for countries like Canada that have yet to qualify for the upcoming Olympics.
"Canada's probably one of the only countries that hasn't qualified their team yet. Uh, so, you know, this is really preparing us for our trials. The winner of that goes to the Olympics."
— Rachel Homan, Two-Time Canadian Olympian
The Global Stage
As the world’s top curlers compete in round-robin play, each team is not only pursuing victory but also aiming to strengthen the sport’s international presence.
Author’s summary: South Lake Tahoe’s inaugural Grand Slam of Curling brings top teams together, symbolizing curling’s global rise and Canada’s pursuit of Olympic qualification.