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In a significant achievement for Canadian curling, Rachel Homan and her rink have secured a spot at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games. The Ottawa-based team, consisting of Homan, Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, demonstrated their skill during the final match of the Canadian curling trials in Halifax. They faced Team Christina Black and emerged victorious, solidifying their status as one of Canada’s elite curling teams.
The final match was part of a best-of-three series. Homan’s team won the second game decisively with a score of 12-3, marking their third consecutive Olympic appearance. Homan expressed her excitement, stating, “We couldn’t be happier. There aren’t words to describe putting that Maple Leaf on your back at the Olympics.” This highlights the pride associated with representing Canada on such a prestigious stage.
The facts
After a close 5-4 victory in the first game of the series, Homan’s squad entered the second match with confidence. They took control early, showcasing exceptional strategy and execution. In the third end, they scored four points, establishing a solid 6-2 lead that they maintained throughout the game.
Critical moments
During the match, Team Black struggled with their draw weight, which proved detrimental against Homan’s top-ranked team. Black’s initial throw in the first end missed the mark, allowing Homan to score a deuce instead of facing a challenging situation. As Black attempted to regroup, they faced continuous difficulties, particularly in the third end, where a miscue enabled Homan to capitalize with a significant four-point score.
As the match progressed, Homan extended her lead to 9-2 by the fifth end. Team Black was compelled to draw against five stones, a daunting task that led to another scoring opportunity for Homan. The match concluded after just eight ends, underscoring Homan’s commanding performance.
A look back at Homan’s Olympic journey
This upcoming Olympics in Milano-Cortina will mark Homan’s third Olympic experience. She previously competed in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games as part of a women’s team and returned in for mixed doubles. Although she did not secure a podium finish in either outing, her determination and resilience shine through as she prepares for another shot at Olympic glory.
Entering the trials as the favorite, Team Homan held the top rank in the World Curling team rankings. Their path to the finals was challenging, highlighted by a semifinal upset by Team Black, which had eliminated the second-ranked Kerri Einarson. This unexpected victory illustrated the competitive nature of the sport, emphasizing that any team can rise to the occasion under pressure.
Looking ahead to Milano-Cortina
As Homan and her team prepare for the upcoming Olympics, their focus will be on securing the elusive medal that has thus far evaded them. Anticipation is high as they aim to enhance their legacy in Canadian curling. Homan reflected on her previous Olympic experiences, stating, “Every time we step on the ice, we learn and grow. This time, we’re ready to make our mark.”
With the support of curling fans across the nation, Team Homan is poised to strive for excellence. The curling community rallies behind them, eager to see their efforts rewarded on the world stage. As they gear up for the challenges ahead, the team remains committed to their goal, embodying the spirit of Canadian curling.