CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (KCBD) – Just ten days after the Olympic flame extinguished at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the United States wheelchair curling team- Stephen Emt (DeForest, Wisc.) and Laura Dwyer (Oconomowoc, Wisc.) started off their mixed doubles competition with an 11-6 win over Latvia Wednesday evening at the Cortina Curling Stadium.
Team USA went into the eighth and final end with a 7-6 lead, but Latvia had the final throw- better known as “the hammer”. However, the last throw fell short and the US gained four points with four stones closer to the middle- allowing them enough insurance for the win.
The United States will look for more wins Thursday as they take on Japan 3:05 a.m. CT, followed by a matchup vs. Estonia 12:05 p.m. CT.
This is Dwyer’s first trip to the Paralympic Games. Emt represented the United States in 2018 and in 2022, and once played for the UConn Huskies in the mid 90’s before he was left paralyzed in a car wreck.
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Paralympics can be seen on Peacock through Sunday, March 15. The opening ceremonies are set for 1 p.m. CT at Verona Olympic Arena, which is where the Olympics’ closing ceremony was held on Feb. 22.
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