Swedish Wheelchair Curling Team Secures Third Consecutive Paralympic Victory with Dominant 10-2 Win Over Latvia

The Swedish wheelchair curling team, led by skipper Viljo Petersson-Dahl, showcased a commanding performance at the 2026 Paralympics, securing their third consecutive group stage victory by defeating Latvia decisively 10-2. From the outset, Sweden asserted dominance by scoring points in the first three ends despite Latvia holding the last stone advantage, quickly building an 8-0 lead that effectively decided the match with two ends still remaining.

Commentator Linus Eklund described the match as a significant blowout, reflecting Sweden’s overwhelming control throughout the game. Ronny Persson expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “This is a good day at work,” and noted that this match was less energy-consuming compared to their previous encounter that extended into an extra end. SVT expert Mia Boman praised the team’s performance, highlighting the “magnificent” leadership of Viljo Petersson-Dahl and applauding Sweden’s continued strong play. On the opposing side, Kristina Ulander acknowledged that Latvia struggled to contain Sweden’s skillful tactics.

This victory maintains Sweden’s perfect record in the Paralympic wheelchair curling competition. The team is next scheduled to play against the United States at 09:35 the following day. Beyond curling, Sweden also had a presence in the Paralympics sprint event, with Zebastian Modin finishing 12th in the final.

In a broader context at the Paralympics held in Milan-Cortina, a political dimension has also been present. Seven countries, including Sweden, issued a joint statement criticizing the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on various grounds, and notably, Sweden chose not to participate in the Paralympics opening ceremony as an act of protest. These concurrent sporting and political developments highlight the complex atmosphere surrounding this year’s Games.

Sweden’s wheelchair curling dominance, combined with their principled stance on international Paralympic issues, underscores their significant role both on and off the ice during the 2026 Paralympics.