Feb 18 β€’ 10:21 UTC πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Why did the Norwegian curling team wear Pierrot pants? It's truly moving!

The Norwegian curling team wore special Pierrot-inspired pants in tribute to their late captain, Thomas Ulsrud, during a match at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

During the men's curling event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the Norwegian curling team captured attention by wearing unique blue, red, and white diamond-patterned pants resembling those worn by Pierrot. These pants were not merely a whimsical fashion choice, but a heartfelt tribute to their former captain Thomas Ulsrud, who passed away from cancer at the age of 50 in May 2022. Ulsrud was a prominent figure in Norwegian curling, famously donning similar pants during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics when the team won a silver medal, a moment that gained royal attention from King Harald V of Norway.

The team, led by a message from player Magnus Ramsfjell, expressed that the choice of pants was a way to honor Ulsrud's legacy, showing deep respect and love for their late teammate. However, despite the emotional significance, the team faced a tough match against Sweden, which ended in a 4-7 loss, placing them jointly in third place; their chances for reaching the semifinals now depend on the outcomes of upcoming matches. As the competition continues, there is a likelihood that the team will revert to their traditional black pants in subsequent games as they planned to wear the tribute pants only once.

Martin Syesaker from the Norwegian team noted that they intended to honor Ulsrud with this special outfit for just a single match and acknowledged that it might not be the most comfortable choice for the intense competition ahead. Nonetheless, the gesture clearly resonated emotionally with fans and fellow competitors alike, highlighting the profound bond within the team and the impact of Ulsrud's legacy in Norwegian curling.

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