Key Takeaways
- Kadriana and Colton Lott captured Canada’s first world mixed doubles curling medal since 2019 with an 11‑3 victory over Italy, earning bronze at the 2025‑26 World Championship in Geneva.
- The win marks Colton Lott’s second international medal of the season, following a silver at the men’s worlds as third for Team Matt Dunstone.
- Canada’s shooting accuracy (89 %) far outpaced Italy’s (65 %), and the team capitalized on early Italian errors, scoring four points in the opening end.
- Strategic use of the power play in the sixth end yielded another four‑point end, prompting Italy to concede the final two frames.
- Australia’s Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt claimed the gold medal, defeating Sweden’s Therese Westman and Robin Ahlberg 8‑4 in the championship final.
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Historic Bronze for Canada’s Lott Duo
Kadriana and Colton Lott, a married curling team from Gimli, Manitoba, secured a commanding 11‑3 triumph over Italy’s Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner on Saturday in Geneva, capturing the bronze medal at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship. The victory ended a six‑year medal drought for Canada at the world level, the last podium finish having occurred in 2019. Their performance not only added a new accolade to Canada’s curling resume but also highlighted the growing competitiveness of mixed doubles on the international stage.
A Season of Success for Colton Lott
For Colton Lott, the bronze represents his second international medal of the 2025‑26 season. Just a month earlier, he earned silver playing third for Team Matt Dunstone at the Men’s World Curling Championship. Back‑to‑back podium finishes underscore his versatility and consistency across disciplines, reinforcing his reputation as one of Canada’s emerging curling talents. The dual‑medal season also reflects the depth of skill required to excel in both team and mixed doubles formats.
Athletes’ Reflections on the Achievement
Kadriana Lott expressed profound pride in sharing the moment with her husband, noting that competing on world stages across different continents is a dream they intend to pursue further. “To share this together, to go on world stages to different parts of the world, it’s something we want to continue, and we’ll cherish these moments forever throughout our lives,” she said, emphasizing the emotional significance of the medal. Colton echoed her sentiment, highlighting the momentum generated by their strong start and the importance of maintaining pressure on opponents.
Dominant Shooting Accuracy Fuels Victory
Statistical analysis revealed Canada’s shooting accuracy at 89 %, markedly superior to Italy’s 65 %. This edge translated into consistent shot-making and fewer missed opportunities. The high accuracy allowed the Lotts to execute complex draws and guards with confidence, laying the foundation for their scoring runs. In contrast, Italy’s lower percentage contributed to several costly miscues that Canada exploited throughout the match.
Early Momentum: A Costly Italian Error
The opening end set the tone for the contest. Italy came up light on a draw, leaving a guard exposed. Canada seized the opportunity, executing a tap around the guard to score four points—an early lead that shifted the match’s dynamics. Colton Lott remarked that this early advantage gave the team “all the momentum going forward,” allowing them to dictate the pace and force Italy into uncomfortable situations.
Strategic Scoring: Four‑Enders and a Three‑Ender
Canada’s offensive strategy was evident in the scoring pattern: they recorded two four‑point ends and one three‑point end. These big ends not only widened the gap but also demoralized the opposition, as Italy struggled to regain footing after conceding multiple points in a single end. The ability to manufacture such scoring bursts relied on precise shot selection, effective use of the power play, and the Lotts’ adeptness at reading the ice.
Power Play Decisive in the Sixth End
The turning point arrived in the sixth end when Canada employed its power play to draw for four points. This tactical move pressured Italy into a difficult position, ultimately leading the Italians to concede the final two ends of the contest. The concession underscored the effectiveness of Canada’s aggressive approach and the psychological impact of falling behind by a substantial margin with limited ends remaining.
Australia Claims Gold, Sweden Settles for Silver
While the Lotts celebrated their bronze, the gold‑medal showdown featured Australia’s Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt defeating Sweden’s Therese Westman and Robin Ahlberg 8‑4. The Australian pair displayed consistent precision and strategic poise throughout the match, securing the top podium spot. Sweden’s silver medal rounded out the podium, highlighting the high level of competition present at this year’s world championship.
Implications for Canadian Curling Moving Forward
The Lotts’ bronze medal serves as a promising signal for Canada’s mixed doubles program, suggesting a resurgence after several years without world‑level success. Their performance may inspire increased investment in mixed doubles development, encourage more married or partnership teams to pursue elite competition, and reinforce Canada’s reputation as a curling powerhouse. As the duo looks ahead to future seasons, their recent achievements will likely motivate both athletes and the broader curling community to aim for continued excellence on the world stage.