Sweden Clinches Bronze in Wheelchair Curling at 2026 Paralympics

Sweden's wheelchair curling team secured a bronze medal at the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina, Italy, with a 7-4 victory over South Korea. The match was highlighted by captain Viljo Petersson Dahl's outstanding performance, particularly in the pivotal sixth end where Sweden executed a crucial two-point steal, propelling them to a 5-2 lead with two rounds remaining. Despite a strong push from South Korea, Sweden maintained their advantage to clinch the medal.

The Swedish team had recently suffered a narrow semifinal loss to China, missing out on a chance for gold. Petersson Dahl reflected on the emotional challenge this posed, stating it would have been “devastating” to return home without a medal after years of dedication. He expressed immense pride in the team's resilience and determination, emphasizing their collective refusal to leave the games empty-handed. This bronze medal marks Sweden's seventh overall at the Paralympics, contributing to a total haul of three golds and four bronzes at the 2026 Games.

The match featured tense moments, especially when South Korea's Yang Hui-Tae missed an important opportunity in the sixth round, which allowed Sweden to secure an important lead. South Korea threatened a comeback in the seventh round, narrowing the gap to one point, but a remarkable shot by Petersson Dahl limited their scoring and kept Sweden ahead. Team Sweden's consistency in the final end ensured their triumph.

This medal builds on Sweden's previous success in wheelchair curling, where they earned a silver medal four years earlier in Beijing. The 2026 podium finish reaffirms the team's status among the top contenders in Paralympic wheelchair curling and highlights Sweden's overall strong performance in the Winter Paralympics across multiple sports, including alpine skiing and cross-country.

Petersson Dahl, who was also part of the silver-winning team in the last Paralympics, praised his teammates for their focus and fight under pressure, noting the high stakes and emotional rollercoaster they endured during the tournament. This victory is celebrated as a significant achievement, bringing pride to the Swedish Paralympic delegation and fans alike as the games conclude.