Winter Olympics 2026: GB women spring shock to beat world champions Canada
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Great Britain’s women curlers made a stunning debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating Canada—the world champions—in a closely contested match that ended 7-6 in favor of Team GB. This victory was particularly significant as it came despite Great Britain struggling in their initial matches against China and South Korea. The team, led by skip Sophie Jackson, showcased improved performance, with Rebecca Morrison stepping up to deliver critical shots that turned the tide in their favor.
The match was nail-biting from start to finish. After a slow beginning where Team GB struggled to score, they found their rhythm midway through. In the third end, Morrison capitalized on an error by Canadian skip Rachel Homan to secure three points and take the lead. The British team continued to dominate, forcing mistakes from Canada and capitalizing on their opponent’s fragility following a loss to the United States earlier in the tournament.
This victory is more than just a sports milestone—it reflects the resilience and determination of Team GB. Their ability to bounce back after initial setbacks highlights the potential for Great Britain to achieve medal success in curling at these Olympics. Beyond sport, this win also underscores the importance of national pride and the impact that such achievements can have on public perception and government support for athletic programs. With their first victory under their belt, Team GB has set a strong foundation for what could be a successful campaign ahead.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026