Curler Homan requests an apology over bullying
World champion and Olympic curler Rachel Homan spoke out against bullying on Tuesday following an incident that occurred at the Ontario women’s championship last week.
Homan made a statement on Twitter, asking for an apology from parties involved in the incident, which she didn’t describe in detail.
Homan, who represents the Ottawa Curling Club, won the provincial championship in Elmira on Saturday, beating Julie Tippin of Owen Sound in the final to win the provincial title for the fifth time.
Sources say that some of the other curlers, who don’t like Curling Canada residency rules that allow Homan to compete in Ontario, banded together and voted in protest for Homan to win a sportsmanship award — which she indeed did win.
Upon realizing the hurtful nature of the vote, Homan spoke out.
“A day after Bell Let’s Talk Day an incident occurred during the Ontario Scotties that was disappointing,” Homan said in her statement. “It was hurtful and disrespectful to all of those involved. On a positive note, many have come forward to apologize and take responsibility for their participation.
“It takes a lot of courage to do so. We appreciate that we all make mistakes and there is a lot of room for forgiveness. To those still attempting to hide and take no responsibility, it’s a shame. We are simply seeking an apology.”
There’s been bad blood in the Ontario women’s curling community this season, with some people voicing displeasure over the fact that two members of Homan’s team live in Alberta.
Homan recently made Edmonton her permanent home, while second Joanne Courtney also lives in the Alberta capital.
Under Curling Canada residency rules, at least three-quarters of the players on a team must reside in the province for which they compete. However, Homan has also been enrolled at the University of Alberta, which allows her to take advantage of new Curling Canada residency exemptions for students.
“The real issue here is that a group of players from Ontario (are) not happy with the application of the rules set forth for residency,” said Gerry Geurts, operations manager for the World Curling Tour.
“They filed or wanted to file a complaint. The real issue is Homan being legal, going back to September, October, when a lot of this stuff came out. The whole thing is not specifically about Rachel as much as it is a protest about her being allowed to play.
“This is not Rachel’s fault at all. She’s out there trying to compete and keep one of the best teams in the game together.”
Homan’s rink, which includes third Emma Miskew and lead Lisa Weagle, has been the best team in the country by a long shot this season. A year after finishing off the podium at the Olympics in South Korea, the team has won three straight Grand Slam events, a World Cup title and has finished in the top four at four other events.