It’s the storyline sports movies are made of. After a nail-biting semifinal showdown at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, the US women’s curling team, led by skip Tabitha Peterson, fell just short of a gold medal bid. On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Americans lost 7-4 to a nearly flawless Swiss team, whose vice-skip Alina Pätz shot a stunning 99% to seal the victory. But the dream isn’t over yet. For the first time since 2002, the US women have a shot at an Olympic medal, facing off against Canada in a high-stakes battle for bronze.
Deep Dive: A Run for the History Books
This tournament has been a rollercoaster of historic proportions for Team USA. Here is how they defied the odds to reach the podium stage:
The Squad
Leading the charge is Tabitha Peterson, flanked by her sister Tara Peterson (Lead), Cory Thiesse (Third), and Taylor Anderson-Heide (Second). Together, they have displayed a resilience that has captivated fans back home.
The Historic Upset
Before the semifinal heartbreak, Team USA achieved something no American women’s team had ever done before: they defeated curling powerhouse Canada in Olympic play. During the round-robin stage on February 13, Peterson’s squad edged out Canadian skip Rachel Homan 9-8 in a thriller, proving they can hang with—and beat—the world’s best.
The Semifinal Stumble
Despite their momentum, the semifinal against Switzerland proved too steep a hill. The Swiss team, defending world champions, capitalized on every minor error. In the 10th end, a slight over-curl on Peterson’s final guard left a window open, and Pätz didn’t miss, removing the American stone to secure the win.
The Impact: Why This Medal Matters
A win in the bronze medal match would be monumental. It would mark the first Olympic medal for the US women’s program in 24 years, validating a generation of development and potentially sparking a new wave of interest in the sport stateside. As they prepare for the rematch against Canada, one thing is certain: Team Peterson has already changed the way the world looks at American curling.
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