Stacy Bishop and her family have embarked on an exciting journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, with plans to immerse themselves in the world of curling. As the media director of the Potomac Curling Club located in Laurel, Maryland, Bishop tailored their vacation around watching high-level curling competitions. The family prepared humorous signs, such as “the triple’s there” and “peel the guard,” to share their love for the sport with fellow fans.
Curling has emerged as a fan favorite at the Winter Olympics, becoming the only sport showcased each day of the event. A report from USA Curling indicates that curling achieved the highest viewership of any sport during NBC’s coverage of the Winter Games. As the Paralympics approach, wheelchair curling athletes will also take to the ice daily, continuing the sport’s strong presence on the international stage.
### A Surge of Enthusiasm for Curling
Back in the United States, the Olympics have sparked a newfound enthusiasm for curling. With thousands of individuals seeking to give the sport a try, curling clubs are bustling with activity. Bishop began curling 16 years ago during another Olympic season, a scenario echoed by many others who became passionate about the sport through similar experiences.
Dean Gemmell, CEO of USA Curling, noted a remarkable uptick in participation and interest. “We’ve consistently recorded between 300 to 600 participants at our ‘learn-to-curl’ events and open houses over the past few months,” he explained. “While we see a bump every four years, this year’s surge appears more significant, likely due to the impressive performances of our teams.”
Numerous clubs across the country report welcoming more than 100 new members into their beginner leagues since the start of the Olympics.
### Building a Stronger Community Through Curling
Currently, USA Curling boasts around 20,000 members, with the fastest-growing demographic being individuals aged 21 to 40, representing 38 percent of all members. Elizabeth Tigner, a dedicated curler at the Potomac Curling Club, expressed excitement about the increasing involvement of younger participants. She believes this influx keeps the sport dynamic and encourages seasoned players to coach newcomers.
Clubs like the small Chesapeake Curling Club in Easton, Maryland, rely heavily on the Olympic-driven interest to thrive. Michael Ehrlich, the club president, shared that more than 300 visitors attended their events this season. “We’re ramping up our efforts, hosting three times more learn-to-curl sessions than usual,” he stated.
Support from the community during this peak season also raises hopes of extending the curling season into the summer months, allowing clubs to maintain vibrancy and secure their financial future.
Curling’s growing popularity shows no signs of slowing, with participants like Yana Willey encouraging their loved ones to join after witnessing the sport’s excitement firsthand during the Olympics. “My boyfriend has been convinced to get involved and wants to become a member,” Willey said, highlighting the sport’s engaging nature.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the ripple effect of the event is poised to reshape curling’s future in America.
Source reference: Full report
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