Canadian Curler Faces Accusations of Rule‑Breaking at Olympics

A 44‑year‑old Canadian curler has denied allegations of cheating after a video clip sparked heated debate over rule violations in the Olympic curling tournament. He maintains that he never intentionally touched a stone twice during play—a move that would confer an unfair advantage. The curler suggested the accusations might be part of a planned effort by Sweden, one of Canada’s main competitors for gold.

The Spark of Controversy

The controversy began when Swedish curler Oskar Eriksson accused the Canadian of “double‑touching” during an 8‑6 round‑robin win. The clip appeared to show the Canadian touching a granite stone after releasing it, a violation of curling rules. The player replied that he was unaware of any concerns about his technique and could not confirm whether the action was intentional or accidental.

Governing Body’s Response

World Curling, the sport’s governing body, did not formally charge the athlete with cheating. Instead, they issued a verbal warning and assigned extra officials to monitor players’ releases in subsequent matches. The Canadian team’s loss to Switzerland (9‑5) and Sweden’s win over China (6‑4) occurred while officials watched closely.

Broader Accusations

Sweden’s claim was not isolated. The Swiss team reported a suspected double‑tap during their match against Canada, and Canadian coach Glenn Howard noted that minor infractions are usually overlooked. The Swiss coach admitted uncertainty about handling the new situation.

The debate intensified when Swedish TV repositioned a camera to the hog line—the area where stones must be released—after early complaints. The resulting footage showed the Canadian’s shot in question and was shown to Eriksson, who said he had already reported similar incidents at other events. He emphasized that fairness is paramount and violations should be addressed immediately.

Women’s Curling Involvement

Canadian women’s skip Rachel Homan was also called out for a possible double‑touch in a match against Switzerland, adding to the tension. Homan dismissed the claim as impossible before the game continued.

Takeaway

The incident underscores how subtle rule infractions can ignite intense scrutiny in high‑stakes competitions. It also highlights that even seasoned athletes must be mindful of the fine lines between skillful play and rule violations.