Key Takeaways
- Kadriana and Colton Lott of Gimli, Manitoba captured the bronze medal at the 2026 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship with an 11‑3 victory over Italy.
- The win marks Canada’s first medal at the world mixed doubles event since 2019 and gives Kadriana her first career world championship medal, while Colton earns his second international medal of the 2025‑26 season.
- Canada dominated the game through high shooting accuracy (89 % vs Italy’s 65 %), capitalizing on early Italian errors and using a power play in the sixth end to secure four points.
- The Lotts highlighted the importance of applying pressure, maintaining momentum, and cherishing the shared experience on the world stage.
- In the final, Australia’s Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt defeated Sweden’s Therese Westman and Robin Ahlberg 8‑4 to claim gold, while Sweden took silver.
Historic Bronze for Canada’s Lotts
Canada’s Kadriana and Colton Lott celebrated a long‑awaited return to the podium at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, securing bronze with a commanding 11‑3 win over Italy’s Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner. The victory, earned on Saturday in Geneva, ended a six‑year medal drought for Canada at this event, the last Canadian podium finish having occurred in 2019. For Kadriana, it was her inaugural world championship medal; for Colton, it represented his second international accolade of the 2025‑26 season, following a silver medal earned the previous month while playing third for Team Matt Dunstone at the men’s world championship. The couple’s achievement underscored both individual growth and the strength of Canada’s mixed‑doubles program.
A Dominant Performance Built on Early Pressure
From the opening end, Canada seized control by exploiting a costly Italian miscue. Italy came up light on a draw, allowing Canada to execute a tap around a guard and steal four points. This early surge set the tone for the match, giving the Lotts a psychological edge they would not relinquish. Colton Lott noted that the early advantage made it clear Italy was “not quite on their game,” and that maintaining pressure forced the opponents into difficult shots, which Canada repeatedly capitalized on. The team’s disciplined approach kept Italy off‑balance throughout the contest, preventing any meaningful comeback attempts.
Scoring Efficiency and Shooting Accuracy
Canada’s offensive output was highlighted by two four‑enders and a three‑ender, demonstrating an ability to generate big points when opportunities arose. Their shooting accuracy stood at an impressive 89 %, markedly higher than Italy’s 65 %. This efficiency meant that nearly every stone Canada delivered contributed to scoring or positioning, while Italy struggled to maintain consistent weight and line. The disparity in accuracy was especially evident in the middle ends, where Canada repeatedly placed guards and draws that forced Italy into difficult take‑outs or missed hits, further widening the gap.
The Decisive Sixth End Power Play
The match’s turning point arrived in the sixth end when Canada elected to use its power play. With the advantage of positioning two stones in the free‑guard zone, the Lotts drew for four points, effectively putting the game out of reach. Italy, facing a six‑point deficit, conceded the final two ends, recognizing that a comeback was mathematically impossible under the remaining circumstances. Colton Lott explained that the power play allowed them to “draw for four” and apply the final pressure needed to close out the contest, showcasing their tactical awareness and ability to adapt mid‑game.
Reflections from the Medalists
After securing the bronze, Kadriana Lott expressed profound pride, describing the experience as something she and Colton would “cherish these moments forever throughout our lives.” She emphasized the joy of sharing the podium with her spouse and the significance of earning her first world medal. Colton echoed her sentiments, noting that the early momentum from the first end carried them through the match and reinforced their belief that sustained pressure yields results. Both athletes highlighted the value of competing together on international stages, viewing the medal as a stepping stone toward future aspirations in mixed doubles curling.
Semifinal Setback and Path to the Podium
Canada’s journey to the bronze medal included a hard‑fought semifinal loss to Sweden, the eventual silver medalists. Despite the defeat, the Lotts retained confidence, using the experience to refine their strategy for the bronze‑final matchup. The semifinal encounter demonstrated the high level of competition at the championship, with Sweden exhibiting strong shot‑making and tactical play. However, the Lotts’ ability to rebound and deliver a dominant performance against Italy illustrated their resilience and capacity to learn from setbacks.
Australia Claims Gold, Sweden Takes Silver
In the gold‑medal game, Australia’s Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt defeated Sweden’s Therese Westman and Robin Ahlberg by a score of 8‑4. The Australian pair displayed consistent precision and effective use of the power play, securing enough points to fend off a late Swedish surge. Sweden’s silver medal marked a strong showing for the Scandinavian team, which had earlier defeated Canada in the semifinals. The podium outcome highlighted the growing competitiveness of mixed doubles curling, with traditional powerhouses Canada and Sweden sharing the stage with emerging nations like Australia.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Canadian Mixed Doubles
The bronze medal won by Kadriana and Colton Lott represents more than just a personal achievement; it signals a resurgence for Canada on the world mixed doubles stage. Their high shooting accuracy, strategic use of the power play, and ability to convert early mistakes into scoring opportunities were key factors in the victory. As they look ahead, the Lotts intend to build on this momentum, aiming for further international success while cherishing the shared experience that brought them to the podium in Geneva. Their story adds a compelling chapter to Canada’s curling narrative, illustrating how perseverance, teamwork, and tactical excellence can yield medals on the world stage.