In a prelude to the Paralympic curling competition, a theft of two curling stones has stirred controversy at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. The stolen stones, each weighing 42 pounds, were part of the mixed doubles set previously used at the Olympics and designated for the wheelchair mixed doubles event as well. World Curling representative Chris Hamilton disclosed the incident, emphasizing that the authorities are actively investigating the theft.
Although details on the theft remain scant, the Milano Cortina 2026 organizing committee has swiftly secured replacement stones, ensuring no disruption to the forthcoming competition. The Paralympic mixed doubles teams were briefed on the situation during a recent team meeting in Cortina, while information was relayed to the other four-person teams subsequently.
Meanwhile, preparations for the wheelchair mixed doubles competition are underway for its commencement on Wednesday evening in Cortina. Hamilton has confirmed that substitute stones from the mixed doubles set are now in use, meticulously adjusted to meet the set standards. Notably, World Curling possesses ownership of both sets of competition stones, with the mixed doubles stones having never been utilized in a tournament until the Olympics.
The wheelchair mixed doubles curling event is scheduled to run until March 11, followed by the initiation of the four-person wheelchair curling event on Saturday. The Winter Paralympics’ opening ceremony is set to take place on Friday, March 6.