Brad Jacobs and Team Canada: Aiming for Olympic Glory in Curling
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games approach, many consider Team GB’s Bruce Mouat foursome the frontrunners in men’s curling. However, don’t count out Team Canada, led by the seasoned veteran Brad Jacobs. The two-time world champions and 2022 Olympic silver medallists have consistently ranked among the world’s elite, but Jacobs and his team – Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert – aren’t focused on expectations.
“Do you think we’re a team who cares about who the favourite is, or who people think the favourite is?” Jacobs recently stated, encapsulating the team’s unwavering focus. This squad, brimming with Olympic experience, is confident in their ability to deliver when it matters most. “This team is capable of stringing together all of the shots needed to win an Olympic gold medal,” Jacobs affirmed.
A Team Built on Confidence and Preparation
Jacobs, the 2014 Olympic gold medallist, emphasizes the importance of preparation and the unseen work that fuels their confidence. “It’s the preparation and the things behind the scenes that a lot of people don’t see that bring that confidence,” he explained. The team believes that mental fortitude will be crucial. “I think it’s going to come down to who handles the pressure best.”
A gold medal for Canada would break a recent drought, as the Canadian men’s team hasn’t reached the top of the podium since 2014. The 2018 and 2022 teams, featuring Kennedy, Hebert, and Gallant respectively, both settled for bronze. However, every member of the current Jacobs team has tasted Olympic success: Kennedy (gold in 2010, bronze in 2022), Hebert (gold in 2010), Jacobs (gold in 2014), and Gallant (bronze in 2022).
Experience and Team Chemistry
Collectively, the team boasts an impressive 15 world championship medals, including five gold. Entering their second full season together, they’ve seamlessly blended their diverse personalities. Coach Paul Webster highlights the team’s ability to engage in honest and accountable communication. “We’ve created an atmosphere that we can have very difficult conversations, pointed questions … and we’re able to solve problems a lot of teams aren’t.”
Webster believes that to succeed, Canada must be not only the best curling team but also the best team. Hebert echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the quality of preparation and the leadership within the squad. “If we play good we’re going to be there at the end of the week. I’m pretty confident of that.”
Facing the Competition: Mouat and Beyond
Regarding the formidable Team Mouat, Jacobs isn’t intimidated. “We’re not scared of them by any means,” he stated. “I really look forward to playing them, actually, and the challenge of playing them.” He acknowledges their precision but believes they are beatable. “They’re not superhuman. Nobody is in this sport.”
Team Canada’s Olympic journey begins on February 11th against Germany. The round-robin concludes on February 19th, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. The bronze and gold medal games are scheduled for February 20th and 21st, respectively.
Jacobs anticipates a fiercely competitive Olympics, potentially the most challenging event of their careers. But they embrace the challenge. “We wouldn’t want it any other way because the harder it is, if you can come through and if you win, the sweeter the victory feels. And I’m looking forward to hopefully having that feeling with my teammates when this Olympics is over.”
Learn more about the sport of curling: Olympics.com – Curling
