Winter Olympics 2026: Tensions rise in the curling after Sweden accuse Canada of double-tapping their stones
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics saw tensions escalate in a curling match between Sweden and Canada. During their men's curling competition, Sweden accused Canada of "double-tapping" their stones, a violation that occurs when a player taps their opponent’s stone twice to move it. This led to a heated exchange between Swedish player Oskar Eriksson and Canadian Marc Kennedy, with both sides exchanging sharp words over the rules and the game's outcome. The incident highlighted the high-stakes nature of international sports competitions and sparked debates about sportsmanship and fair play.
Curling is a precision sport where minor infractions can significantly impact the game. Double-tapping involves subtly moving an opponent’s stone, often to gain a strategic advantage. Sweden claimed that Canada had violated this rule during a critical moment in the match, which was already tightly contested with Sweden leading 7-6. The Canadian team denied the allegations, and the situation became increasingly tense as both players argued over the rules and the fairness of their competition.
The incident reflects the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by athletes in high-profile international events. Curling, while not traditionally a focal point of the Olympics, has gained prominence in recent years due to its competitive and strategic nature. The clash between Sweden and Canada underscores the
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026