Brad Gushue’s Olympic victory in Turin ten years ago remains a memorable story in sports history. One journalist described it as a “sportswriter’s dream,” filled with emotion and unexpected twists.
Gushue’s heartfelt moment came when he used a cellphone to call his mother, who was undergoing cancer treatment and couldn’t attend. The team also featured curling great Russ Howard, who joined late and played a pivotal role, and Mark Nichols, who overcame a rough patch to shine in the final.
With the Canadian men’s hockey team eliminated early, Gushue’s curling team captured national attention, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, where schools closed to let students watch the gold-medal match against Finland.
The final result was a resounding 10-4 victory, marking Canada’s first Olympic men’s curling title and a major moment for Newfoundland, reminiscent of Jack MacDuff’s Brier win in 1976.
Gushue recalled feeling a mix of relief and excitement as the final whistle blew. “When he finally turned around to shake hands, I was just like, ‘Ohhh, it’s happened,'” he said, reflecting on the intense emotions of that moment.
The season leading up to the Olympics was unconventional. Gushue, Howard, Nichols, Jamie Korab, and Mike Adam entered the Olympic Trials as heavy underdogs after being the last team to qualify.
Howard, initially an alternate, was asked to skip just before the Trials began, prompting Adam to step in as an alternate. Despite the challenges, Howard felt revitalized, saying it “recharged” him.
The team dynamics shifted significantly with Howard at the helm. Gushue, who had always skipped, found himself brushing more than usual, which changed his usual game strategy.
Despite their lack of experience against top skips, the team excelled at the Trials, achieving an 8-1 record and defeating Jeff Stoughton in the final to secure their Olympic spot.
While the competition in Turin was less fierce, the Gushue rink faced challenges, including an illness that sidelined Korab for a crucial game, and Nichols had to work hard to regain his rhythm before the semifinal.
In the final, Canada surged ahead with six points in a pivotal end, sealing their victory after eight tense ends. Gushue noted the team’s unity, stating that their lack of egos contributed to their success.
Upon their return, over 2,000 fans welcomed them at St. John’s airport in the early hours. Their victory led to a rock star status, with streets named in their honor and free drinks flowing at local pubs.
Reflecting on his fame, Gushue remarked on the lasting perks of their win, highlighting that while he occasionally buys a beer, he often finds himself on the receiving end of hospitality in his home province.