For the first time in history, the United States won the Olympic gold medal in curling.
A week ago, it didn’t seem like that would happen. Sitting at 2-4 and with a game against behemoth Canada coming up, John Shuster captained the United States to three consecutive wins (over Canada, Switzerland, and Great Britain) to squeak into the semifinals. From there, they took down Great Britain before completing the run against Sweden in the gold medal game.
AND THAT DOES IT! WE ARE BRINGING HOME THE GOLD MEDAL!!!! #TeamShuster #TeamUSA #curling #Olympics #Gold pic.twitter.com/AOaHrntwQ0
— Team Shuster (@TeamShuster) February 24, 2018
Tied at 5-5 in the eighth end, Shuster was able to hit both of Sweden’s rocks out of the house, giving the United States an incredible five points and a 10-5 lead heading into the ninth.
NBCOlympics.com: Watch: Team USA scores five points in eighth end
After that, it was all about protecting the lead. Just a few minutes later Swedish skip Niklas Edin conceded the game, and it was the United States standing on top of the podium for the first time ever in the sport of curling.