Feb 16 • 11:06 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Winter Olympics curling cheating scandal prompts rule change U-turn with players furious

Curling at the Winter Olympics has been marred by a cheating scandal, leading to controversial rule changes and player outrage.

The Winter Olympics curling events have come under intense scrutiny following allegations of cheating, which have sparked significant discontent among players. One notable incident involved Canadian curler Marc Kennedy, who faced accusations of double touching his stones, resulting in tensions with Swedish opponents. These allegations have not only fueled disputes on the ice but have also led to heated exchanges, including a confrontation where Kennedy told his opponent to "f*** off."

In response to the uproar, the sport's governing body has implemented changes aimed at combatting the perceived cheating, prompting mixed reactions from the athletes. The controversies surrounding the officiating and the new rules have left many players feeling unsettled, as the integrity of the game appears to be at stake. Additionally, the issue has not been isolated to a single match; Team GB also faced scrutiny when a stone was removed under similar accusations of double touch.

The reaction from the curling community underscores the high stakes of Olympic competition and the deep frustrations players experience when they perceive the rules to be enforced inconsistently. As the governing body struggles to adapt its officiating approach amid growing player dissatisfaction, the current Winter Olympics curling tournament highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining fairness and clarity in competitive sports.

📡 Similar Coverage