Swedish Wheelchair Curling Team Suffers First Paralympics Defeat Against USA

The Swedish wheelchair curling team, Lag Petersson-Dahl, experienced their first loss at the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina, succumbing 1-7 to the United States after a strong start with three consecutive wins. The match unfolded in front of Kronprinsessan Victoria, who was present to support the team.

The USA quickly took control by earning two points in the first end and continued to dominate by stealing points in the next three ends despite Sweden holding the hammer. Sweden’s only score came in the fifth end, reducing the deficit to 1-5, but by then the American team had firmly established their lead. Sweden conceded before the eighth end, resulting in the final 7-1 score.

Viljo Petersson-Dahl, Sweden’s skip, expressed disappointment over the team's performance, citing low energy in the initial ends and acknowledging that the team collectively underperformed. Despite the loss, players like Sabina Johansson remarked that the presence of Kronprinsessan Victoria was positively received and did not create additional pressure.

The Swedish team, which also includes Ronny Persson, Sabina Johansson, Kristina Ulander, and Marcus Holm, is now focused on redeeming themselves in their next match against Great Britain later that evening, with the game scheduled for 18:35 and broadcast on SVT.