The U.S. women’s curling team was stunned when they learned their unexpected victory over Canada in Friday’s game marked history. Taylor Anderson-Heide, a Minneapolis native, reflected on her post-game statement: “If that’s true, I think we just played a really good game. They’re No. 1 in the world.”
Shoreview resident Tara Peterson chimed in with enthusiasm: “It just feels amazing to beat Rachel Homan’s team. So any team capable of doing so is impressive.” Until now, Canada had been unbeatable for U.S. women’s curling teams since their inclusion in the Olympics in 1998.
In a tournament that often sees Canada as the indisputable favorite, the American triumph marked something new: it was an Olympic first. Prior to this victory, the U.S. men’s team had beaten Canada only once during previous Winter Games and again in the semi-finals for their gold medal victory at Pyeongchang.
The Canadian team, led by skip Rachel Homan, has long been considered the best in the world. Friday’s game featured moments of opportunity that allowed the American team to capitalize on occasional mistakes from their opponents.
Following their win, the U.S. curlers celebrated together down the ice as they walked back to their coaches, raising fists triumphantly. Peterson, like Anderson-Heide, couldn’t help but add a qualifier: “Apparently, we’ve never beaten them in the Olympics before. That makes it just extra special.”
This year’s American women’s team brings an approachable blend of ambition and normalcy to the game. They include skip Tabitha Peterson, who is Tara’s older sister; Cory Thiesse, their cool-headed teammate with a silver medal under his belt in mixed doubles; and Aileen Geving from Minnesota, an alternate.
Tabitha and Tara are among those who have careers outside curling—Tara, a dentist, and Tabitha, a pharmacist—and they share parenthood: Eddie was born just months before the Olympics, while Noelle joined them later. Sienna completed her family in 2018 following the Games.
For Tara Peterson, speaking to CBS News Minnesota ahead of the Olympics, curling is more than an elite sport; it’s camaraderie and friendship among peers: “It’s a normal life after the game—we sit down for dinner with friends who are Olympians. It feels like any other competition.”
Tabitha echoed her sister’s sentiments when she described the Olympics as merely another tournament, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the sport itself rather than the grandeur of the event. The team is currently 2-1 in their round-robin stage, having secured a win against Korea and suffered a loss to Sweden, while also celebrating this significant milestone.
They have several matches remaining before advancing to the semifinals next Friday.