This week, the Rock Creek Curling center in Lafayette, Colorado, will play host to a pivotal competition, as 10 mixed doubles teams vie for the opportunity to represent the United States at the 2026 Olympics in Italy. As the sport continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that curling has undergone a significant transformation since its earlier days.
Gone are the stereotypes of curling being a leisurely pursuit dominated by older men who take breaks to smoke. Today’s curlers are a far cry from this outdated image. They are athletes who embody dedication, physical fitness, and a fierce competitive spirit.
Take Lance Wheeler, a member of Denver Curling, for example. Wheeler’s passion for curling is matched only by his enthusiasm for ultramarathons. He can often be found pacing his friends during these grueling endurance events, demonstrating a level of physical fitness that defies the traditional curling stereotype.
Wheeler’s wife and teammate, Clare Moores, is another exemplary model of modern-day curling. As a trainer working with athletes at Green Mountain and Columbine high schools, Moores is no stranger to physical demands. Her impressive athleticism is evident in her ability to keep pace with the high school athletes she trains, and she looks more than capable of outperforming them in a burpees competition.
The transformation of curling is not limited to its athletes. The sport itself has evolved, with advances in technology, training methods, and equipment contributing to a more fast-paced and physically demanding competition.
As the mixed doubles teams gather in Lafayette, they will be competing at a level that is far removed from the sport’s leisurely past. They will be battling for a spot on the world stage, and their athleticism, strategy, and teamwork will be put to the ultimate test.
The 2026 Olympics in Italy will provide a global platform for these talented athletes to showcase their skills, and the competition in Lafayette will serve as a crucial stepping stone on their journey. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain – curling is no longer the sedate, laid-back pursuit it once was. It’s a high-intensity, physically demanding sport that requires dedication, athleticism, and a winning mentality.
