Waiting for the Olympic call
With no mixed-doubles trials, athletes aren’t in control of their Beijing dreams
After COVID-19 challenges forced the cancellation of Canada’s mixed doubles trials, several top curlers are anxiously waiting to learn whether they will be chosen to represent the country at the Beijing Games.
Curling Canada has said it will consult with the Canadian Olympic Committee and Own the Podium before an announcement will be made.
Specifics on a timeline haven’t been determined, making an extended wait for the contenders seem even longer.
“This is a position we’ve never really been in before where it’s completely out of your control,” said John Morris, who won Olympic mixed doubles gold with Kaitlyn Lawes in 2018. “I think that’s the biggest thing. As an athlete, you always want to control your own destiny. That’s been the tough part.”
The trials were originally scheduled for Dec. 28-Sunday in Portage la Prairie, Man., but were cancelled on Boxing Day. The federation cited travel risks and positive cases among athletes for its decision.
Olympic mixed doubles play begins Feb. 2 at the Ice Cube in Beijing, two days before the opening ceremony. The Canadian nomination is still in the “consultation process,” a COC spokesperson said Tuesday in a text message.
Morris’s usual partner is Rachel Homan, who couldn’t play doubles in 2018 because her women’s team had secured an Olympic spot. Curling Canada doesn’t allow curlers to play in both disciplines at the same Games.
Homan and Morris, ranked fifth in Canada, are available for selection this time around. Now they just have to cross their fingers and hope they get the nod when the decision is finally made.
“It’s definitely hard on the heart,” Homan said Tuesday from Beaumont, Alta.
Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant are ranked No. 1 in Canada but both are already Beijing-bound after victories in the four-player team trials last November in Saskatoon.
Peterman helped the Jennifer Jones rink to victory and Gallant helped Brad Gushue’s team win the men’s berth. Jones and Brent Laing are ranked second in mixed doubles.
Given the unique scenario, it’s possible — although seemingly unlikely — that Curling Canada could make an exception to its rule. Many countries allow players to compete in both disciplines at the Games.
Nancy Martin and Tyrel Griffith are ranked third, with Lisa Weagle and John Epping fourth. Weagle is part of Jones’ five-player team but is eligible for mixed doubles since she is listed as an alternate for Beijing.
Another potential contender is the duo of Kerri Einarson and Brad Jacobs. Einarson won the Canadian mixed doubles title last season with Gushue.
Rankings and recent results will likely impact the decision-making process. Experience in major events like world championships and Olympic Games could also be factors.
Morris said he was “champing at the bit” to get on the ice before the playdowns were cancelled.
“Rachel and I had a great training camp leading up to the trials,” he said. “We were so ready to go. That’s the hard part. You can’t go and prove yourself.”
Sweden, Great Britain, Switzerland, Norway and the United States are some of the headliners in the 10-team Olympic mixed doubles field.
“I would absolutely love to have the chance to take them on but I’m sure there’s some other curlers that are saying that, too,” Morris said from Canmore, Alta. “I just love going to battle against the world’s best and I would absolutely love that opportunity.”