Auckland, New Zealand – The Republic of Korea women’s curling team continued its strong start at the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing a decisive 9-3 victory over Great Britain on . This win follows an earlier victory, marking a two-game winning streak for the Korean squad after an initial loss.
The match, played in Auckland, saw the Korean team, often referred to as ‘Team 5G’ in local media, dominate from the outset. The final score reflects a commanding performance, leaving little room for the British team to mount a comeback. Details of the specific ends and scoring progression weren’t immediately available, but the overall result underscores Korea’s growing strength in the competition.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as it comes against a traditionally strong curling nation. Great Britain has consistently been a contender in Olympic curling, making this win a significant statement for the Korean team. The Korean team’s performance is too being closely watched due to the personal connection between two of its members, who are a couple. Curler, Seol Ye-eun, shared that her boyfriend provides unwavering support, and they encourage each other throughout the Games.
The Korean team’s success is a welcome development for the nation’s winter sports program. Curling has been gaining popularity in South Korea in recent years, and a strong showing at the Olympics could further boost the sport’s profile. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated in this match, suggests they are well-prepared to contend for a medal.
The win over Great Britain places the Korean team in a favorable position as the round-robin stage progresses. While the Olympic tournament is notoriously competitive, this early momentum could prove crucial. The team will need to maintain this level of performance to advance to the playoff rounds.
Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance has urged American athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics to prioritize their sport and refrain from political commentary while representing the United States on the global stage. Speaking from Milan, Italy on , Vance acknowledged that athletes expressing political views is not uncommon, but advised them to focus on unifying the country through their athletic achievements. “My advice to them would be to try to bring the country together,” Vance stated, “and when you’re representing the country, you’re representing Democrats, and Republicans. You’re there to play a sport, and you’re there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You’re not there to pop off about politics.”
Vance’s remarks followed a mixed reception during the opening ceremony, where his appearance on the jumbotron was met with both applause and booing. Several American Olympians have already used their platform to address concerns about the administration’s policies, including curler Richard Ruohonen, who spoke out about increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Minnesota. Ruohonen stated, “What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. There’s no shades of gray. We love our country. We’re playing for Team USA.”
The situation highlights the increasing intersection of sports and politics, and the challenges faced by athletes who seek to balance their athletic pursuits with their personal beliefs. Vance’s call for unity underscores the desire to keep the focus on athletic competition, but also raises questions about the extent to which athletes should be expected to remain silent on important social and political issues.
The Korean curling team’s performance, and the broader context of the Winter Olympics, serve as a reminder of the power of sports to transcend political boundaries and bring people together. Still, the comments from Vice President Vance demonstrate that the political landscape continues to cast a shadow over the Games, creating a complex environment for athletes and organizers alike.
The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team has also secured a significant partnership with Jumeirah, a global luxury hospitality group, ahead of the 2026 season. The multi-year agreement designates Jumeirah as the team’s Global Hotel Partner for the next three seasons. The collaboration will extend beyond branding, with Jumeirah curating distinctive experiences around SailGP race weekends and providing access to global audiences. The partnership will be immediately visible at the upcoming ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland.
Sir Ben Ainslie, CEO of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting Jumeirah’s alignment with the team’s commitment to protecting oceans and striving for excellence. He stated, “We are delighted to welcome Jumeirah on board as a Global Partner. Not only is Jumeirah an iconic brand based in our home-from-home, the UAE, but it also echoes our shared commitment to protecting our oceans and striving for excellence.” Ainslie further emphasized that winning at the highest level of SailGP demands innovation, precision, and teamwork – qualities mirrored by Jumeirah’s approach to delivering world-class experiences.
