One week into the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, fans worldwide have embraced both traditional winter sports and lesser-known events, with curling unexpectedly capturing widespread attention. Close matches and strategic gameplay have drawn new viewers, showing how competitive and intense the sport can be at the Olympic level.
A particularly tense moment occurred during a men’s curling match between Canada and Sweden at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. Canada eventually secured an 8–6 victory, but late in the match, Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson raised concerns about whether Canadian player Marc Kennedy had touched the curling stone improperly during delivery. According to official rules, touching the handle before the stone crosses the hog line is allowed, while contact after that point is not permitted.
Play was briefly paused while officials monitored the situation. No rule violations were recorded, and the match continued without penalties. Broadcast footage showed frustration on both sides as emotions ran high, reflecting the pressure athletes face in closely contested Olympic competitions.
After the game, Kennedy said he respected Eriksson but was disappointed by the accusations, noting his long career and commitment to fair play. Swedish team representatives later confirmed they would not pursue any formal investigation. Organizers emphasized the importance of sportsmanship while acknowledging that intense competition can sometimes lead to heated moments, especially during major international events where stakes and emotions run high.