One of the saddest stories in Canadian curling history revolves around the tragic events surrounding the 2017 Canadian women’s curling team. The story unfolds around the team’s skip, Rachel Homan, and their journey during and after the loss at the 2017 World Women’s Curling Championship.
After a stellar performance throughout the tournament, Team Homan reached the finals with high hopes of bringing home the gold. Unfortunately, they suffered a heart-wrenching defeat against the Swedish team led by skip Anna Hasselborg. The loss was particularly gut-wrenching because the Canadian team had been seen as favorites, and the expectation to win added immense pressure.
However, the sadness intensified when news broke shortly after the championship about the unexpected passing of team member and close friend, Joanne Courtney’s grandmother. Joanne was deeply affected by the loss, having been extremely close with her grandmother, who had been her biggest supporter throughout her curling career.
This tragic combination of events highlighted the emotional toll that competitive sports can take on athletes. It illustrated how, even in the wake of public success, personal struggles can cast a shadow. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and relationships, reinforcing the notion that there is much more to athletes than just their on-ice performances.
The curling community rallied around Joanne and her team, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. It was a stark reminder that while curling is a sport filled with competition and triumph, it is also a close-knit community where personal losses resonate deeply among its members.
