Curling: Life Lessons for Jesus Followers

by Dale Reeves 

Story Pastor

The past two weeks in our home we have watched more events of the 2026 Winter Olympics from Milano and Cortina, Italy, than perhaps anything else. I have noticed that with each successive Olympics since 1998, there has been progressively more TV coverage of the sport of curling because it has grabbed the attention of more viewers each time the Winter Olympics has come around. This year has been no exception. As a matter of fact, there has been a bit more drama this year due to one country (Sweden) accusing another (Canada) of cheating by touching the granite stone illegally after its release. What has typically been a gentlemen’s sport turned into a little trash talking that day. Even our grandkids have caught the bug and have expressed interest in trying their hand at this sport.

The teams from the United States have performed well in curling the past two weeks. Team USA’s mixed doubles pair consisted of Cory Thiesse, a lab technician in her everyday job, and Korey Dropkin, a real estate agent. Narrowly falling 6-5 to Sweden’s sibling duo, the  Duluth, Minnesota-based pair were silver medalists, the first U.S. medal in Olympic mixed doubles competition in curling. The four-member men’s team has been eliminated from playoff contention, while the women’s team has reached the medal round for the first time since 2002.

The sport of curling originated in Scotland in the 1500s. It was often nicknamed the “Roaring Game” derived from the sound of large non-uniform stones traveling over frozen ponds or lochs. Early players used found, flat-bottomed stones from rivers or fields, and the Royal Caledonian Curling Club was founded in 1838 to regulate the game. Then, Scottish immigrants carried the sport to Canada, where it gained immense popularity, turning the country into a major hub for the sport. Today, the World Curling Federation is based in Perth, Scotland.

While a demonstration sport in 1924, curling officially became a Winter Olympic medal event in 1998. Modern curling is sometimes known as “chess on ice” for its strategy, requiring players to slide stones and sweep the ice to influence their direction and speed, as they move toward a target on the ice. In Olympic competition, one set of stones (weighing on average 42 pounds or 19.1 kilograms), has red handles, and the other has yellow handles. The curling stones or “rocks” are made of a rare, dense granite that is quarried on Ailsa Craig, an isle off the coast of Scotland. The stones themselves are gray and polished. Special brooms with fabric-covered foam pads are used, and special shoes are also worn so that the athletes can grip the ice well.

If you’ve watched the sport of curling during the Olympics then you may be familiar with terms such as the hog line, the house, the button, a double, a guard, an end, a steal, the skip, a freeze, or the hammer. If not, you’ve got some homework ahead of you.

Sweeping Truths

As I have watched a number of curling matches the past few weeks and cheered on Team USA, I’ve asked myself, “What are some takeaways from this sport for the Christian life?” Here are my conclusions . . .

Work as a Team

Just as all team members in curling contribute to a shot through throwing, sweeping, and calling out directions, God has created within the church many different spiritual gifts necessary for working together to achieve God’s purposes, to mature as believers, and to reach our ONE MORES for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Where has God called you to use your spiritual gifts for his purposes and others’ benefit while “on the ice”?

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:10, 11, NIV).

Sweep Away Hindrances

When you first watch this sport, you inevitably ask, “Do the brooms really affect the ice that much, allowing the stones to move farther?” The answer is absolutely YES! Sweeping the ice reduces the friction, thus allowing the stones to go farther and straighter or with more of a curve, depending on the intended direction of the shot. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to “sweep aside” every weight and sin that hinders our spiritual walk, because God has already swept away our offenses because of the price Jesus paid on the cross to set us free!

“I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free” (Isaiah 44:22, NLT).

Be Intentional and Strategic

In order to succeed in this sport, there is a lot of strategic thinking involved. At the beginning of each match, teams are given a certain amount of “thinking time.” In 2026 Olympic curling, men’s and women’s teams are given 38 minutes of thinking time for a 10-end game, while mixed doubles teams receive 22 minutes for an 8-end game. The clock runs only while each team is planning their next shot, and it stops once the stone is delivered. The time allows players to discuss strategy before throwing, and the goal is consensus on the part of all team members.

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5, 6, NLT).

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28, NLT).

Be Passionate About Sharing Jesus

Curlers are passionate about their sport. You might even call them “curling evangelists,” because they love the game and want everyone else to enjoy it too. U.S. curler Korey Dropkin commented, “It’s not just about the ice; it’s about showing up every day.”

How passionate are you about the joy you have discovered in the Christian life? Are you actively and desperately sharing it with others who are destined for Hell without the saving redemption that Jesus offers? Without his saving rescue every one of us is skating on thin ice, headed not for icy waters, but for an eternity spent in the Lake of Fire (see Revelation 20:14, 15; 21:8).

“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire” (Jude 1:22, 23, NIV).

**Want to try your hand at curling? There are several places in the Cincinnati area where you can investigate the sport some more. The primary dedicated curling facility in the Cincinnati area is the Cincinnati Curling Club, located in West Chester. Click here to learn more.