2010 Winter Olympics Preview: Curling

Interest for Curling has grown over the last decade since the sport was welcomed back into the Winter Olympics as a full medal sport. As the world prepares for the 2010 Winter Olympics, let's take a look at the top participants from the men's and women's bracket and which countries will be victorious.

Men's Curling

During the 2006 Olympics in Turin, team Canada dominated Finland to capture the gold medal while the US team came away with the bronze medal.

Can the Canadians earn another gold medal or will there be another country from the field of ten to win it during the 2010 Winter Olympics?

One of the top performers is Skip Kevin Martin, the elder statesman from Canada, who is looking to for another Olympic medal. While his team is ranked number one in the world, they will be tested in 2010.

Norway's Thomas Ulsrud helped his team win the Continental Cup and will be eager to show it was no fluke. The curling team from Scotland, led by David Murdoch, is eager to continue his success after winning his second consecutive European Championship.

While the top two spots in this event appear to be set, the bronze medal is up for grabs. Keep an eye on the curling teams from the United States and Germany to make a strong push during the Winter Olympics.

Women's Curling

In 2006, the gold medal for Women's curling in Turin was taken by Sweden when they defeated Switzerland. Canada easily defeated Norway to win the bronze medal.

What should we expect from the ten teams who will be participating in the 2010 Winter Olympics?

The Chinese team, led by their skip Bingyu Wang, is the current World Champions and has to be the heavy favorites to take home the gold medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Do not expect the Canadian team to rest on the laurels. They have one of the best in the game, Skip Cheryl Bernard and they will be ready to perform on their home ice.

One team not to be forgotten is the curling team from Switzerland. Mirjam Ott and her team was a force in the 2008 World Championship Cup and looks to carry the momentum over. The US team could prove to be a solid dark horse in these Winter Olympics and sneak into the medal round.

Resources

http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-curling/

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/curling/index.html