Korey Dropkin Calls Olympic Curling ‘Double-Touching’ Scandal Overblown
During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Korey Dropkin, a member of Team USA, addressed the “double-touching” scandal that has sparked significant debate. He believes the controversy is exaggerated and does not reflect actual misconduct among curlers.
Context of the Controversy
The incident originated when Sweden’s curling team accused Canada’s Marc Kennedy of double touching during a match on February 13, 2026. Double touching refers to the action of inadvertently making contact with the stone after its initial release. Kennedy denied the allegations during a heated exchange, asserting he followed the rules while leading Canada to an 8-6 victory.
Official Reactions
In the wake of the accusations, Olympic officials introduced arbitrators to oversee stone releases. However, the absence of video replays means that all on-ice decisions remain final. According to World Curling, any double touching results in the stone being removed from play. This rule was enforced after several athletes faced penalties for similar infractions.
Dropkin’s Defense of Fellow Athletes
Dropkin spoke to CBS News, expressing disappointment over the scandal’s portrayal of fellow curlers, particularly Kennedy. He emphasized that many athletes, including those he respects, have accidentally touched the stones, pointing out that such incidents had not drawn attention in previous seasons.
- Korey Dropkin: Team USA curler and silver medalist.
- Marc Kennedy: Veteran Canadian curler accused of double touching.
- Oskar Eriksson: Swedish curler who made the accusation.
- World Curling: Governing body that clarified rules regarding double touching.
Broader Perspectives from the Curling Community
Other curlers have supported Dropkin’s assertion that double touching does not always indicate foul play. Swiss curler Alina Paetz described the incident as a minor infraction. She noted that while the act is against the rules, it may not warrant the intense scrutiny it has received.
The debate over double touching underscores the emotional atmosphere of the Olympics. Many athletes perceive the recent uproar as disproportionate to the nature of the infraction. Dropkin and his peers advocate for a more nuanced understanding of the rules and their enforcement.
As the Olympics continue, discussions regarding this scandal reflect broader themes of sportsmanship and the interpretation of rules in competitive settings.
