Canada’s Peterman, Gallant struggle with two-loss day in Olympic mixed doubles curling
Canadians Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant faced challenges in mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics, suffering two losses that put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Canadian mixed doubles curling duo Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant encountered a rough day on the ice, suffering two losses that could jeopardize their playoff aspirations. Having started off strong with a perfect record, the team's performance took a hit as they faced tough competition. The first loss came against the undefeated British team of Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat, who secured a 7-5 victory, showcasing their strong play. This was followed by a nail-biting defeat to Estonia, where Peterman and Gallant fell 8-6 in a match that reflected their struggles to adapt on the ice.
The defeats underscored issues in the Canadian team's strategy and execution, with slow adjustments to the playing conditions being a significant factor. Curling stones were reported to be slower than expected, a situation that caught Peterman and Gallant off-guard. As they dropped in the rankings, the pressure increased significantly with only three draws left in the nine-game round robin format. Given the competitive nature of the event, these losses are particularly critical as they could affect the Canadian duo's chances of advancing to the playoffs.
Looking ahead, Peterman and Gallant have little time to regroup, as they must analyze their performance and make crucial adjustments swiftly to regain a foothold in the competition. Their ability to bounce back from this disappointing day will be vital in determining their trajectory in the Olympic tournament, making their next games critical for survival in the mixed doubles event.