Shoes and brooms will change curling for the 2026 Winter Olympics

Winter Olympic The games have begun, and once again curling is set to begin Dozens of new converts.

Although dominated by Sweden, Canada, Switzerland and Scotland, many turned a blind eye during the post-World War II period 2026 Winter Olympics He will be part of the host country Italy’s team thanks to Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner, the Olympic and world mixed doubles curling champions.

Regardless of which country wins the gold medal, the real attention during this year’s Olympics may be on the amazing tools used by curlers. Somewhat similar to shuffleboard which is played with brooms and rocks, shuffleboard has seen some interesting developments in the equipment used on the ice.

In addition to basic skills and strategy, here’s everything you need to know about the state of the sport.

Scottish stones

Almost every curling stone—the round rocks that slide on the ice—comes from the same place: Elsa Craig. The 99-hectare island site in the mouth of the Firth of Clyde on the west coast of Scotland is famous for its granite, hence its ability to supply enough of it to equip hair curlers around the world.

Each stone should weigh between 19.96 and 17.24 kilograms, and is made of one of two types of Scottish granite, common green and blue. These two types are the most resistant to heat and humidity and to the cracks and condensation that can form thanks to the 28 meters of ice on which stones slide during competitions.

The stones used in the Olympic Games, as well as in the World Championships, are produced by the Scottish company Casey. Many curling stones also come from Canada curling stone. (This sport has seen a recent rise in popularity in Canada.) Both companies produce stones using a precise process of grinding and polishing.

Boom broom

In addition to stones, the main tools needed for curling are a broom and shoes – and this is where advances in equipment really stand out. First, there are dozens of sensors and microchips that allow players to manage the power of their throws.

On the other hand, there are new and improved brooms that allow sweepers to enhance their skills to the maximum. More than anything else, what curlers need to operate a vacuum is dexterity, fitness, and coordination. But beyond that, good tools don’t hurt.

“Broom technology continues to be a major focus as the physical demands of the sport continue to evolve, and one of the biggest challenges is finding the right balance between weight, strength and efficient transfer of power,” says Dale Matchett, general manager at curling equipment company BalancePlus.

As with any type of sports equipment, quality depends on how much the team or player is willing to spend. Carbon fiber brooms are best for their combination of strength and lightness. Composite fibers work well for mid-range players. Fiberglass is the cheapest option. The broom’s handle and durability affect its weight and sweeping effectiveness.