Australia achieved a remarkable milestone by winning its first-ever world championship medal in curling, securing a bronze in the mixed doubles category. The historic victory occurred on a Sunday in Fredericton, Canada, where Beijing 2022 Olympians Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt decisively defeated Estonia 9-2. Despite this achievement, their chance to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics remains uncertain following a close semi-final loss to Scotland, where they were narrowly defeated 9-6.
Gill and Hewitt reflect on their journey since 2018, expressing pride in their growth leading up to the 2022 Olympics and their consistent performances, which have culminated in nearly a dozen podium finishes this year. Gill remarked on the significance of their bronze medal, noting the hard work that went into this achievement, while also recognising the bittersweet nature of not securing direct Olympic qualification.
The Olympic mixed doubles competition at Milano-Cortina 2026 will feature ten teams, with the highest-ranked countries from the 2024 and 2025 world championships claiming eight spots. Gill and Hewitt will look to secure one of the remaining two places at a qualification event in December, set to be held in Kelowna, Canada.
Throughout the world championships, the Australian duo demonstrated their prowess, overcoming eight different teams, including notable victories against strong competitors from the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the USA, while only succumbing to losses against Japan and Scotland.
As they celebrate their bronze medal, both Gill and Hewitt are driven to maintain their momentum and confidence as they prepare for the challenges ahead, with the hope of marking another historic moment in Italian soil.