Cheating claims, curse words fly in Olympic curling controversy - ESPN
ESPN
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The world of curling took an unexpected turn at the Winter Olympics as cheating allegations and heated exchanges overshadowed a high-stakes match between Canada's team and Sweden's squad. During a round-robin game where Canada emerged victorious 8-6, Swedish player Oskar Eriksson accused Canadian Marc Kennedy of "double-touching" — touching the stone after releasing it in violation of curling rules. The incident led to a tense standoff on the ice, with Kennedy denying any wrongdoing and even using expletives to defend himself. The match briefly halted as emotions ran high between the two teams.
The allegations centered around a rule that prohibits touching the stone after release, which is determined by officials at the hog line. Replays appeared to show Kennedy extending his finger to touch the stone as it approached the line, sparking the controversy. Sweden had notified officials of their concerns early in the match, prompting an official to monitor Canada's throws. However, no formal action was taken, and curling does not utilize video replays to review such incidents.
Kennedy expressed frustration at being accused after years of competing cleanly, stating he told Eriksson where to direct his complaints. Meanwhile, Eriksson emphasized the importance of fair play and called out what he believed was a violation, reflecting Sweden's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. Despite the heated exchange, no official action was taken against either team.
The controversy highlights the competitive nature of curling and the pressure athletes face during high-stakes matches. While such incidents are rare in a sport often seen as calm and strategic, this case underscores the importance of sportsmanship and adherence to rules. For readers interested in sports, this story sheds light on the intense rivalries and ethical dilemmas that can arise even in seemingly low-key competitions like curling.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/14/2026