Canadian curler Marc Kennedy has publicly denied allegations of cheating following accusations from Swedish competitor Oskar Eriksson during a match at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 16, 2024. The dispute centers on claims that Kennedy illegally “double-touched” a rock after releasing it, a violation of curling rules.
In a heated exchange, Kennedy expressed frustration over the accusations, suggesting that his team might be the target of a “premeditated” attack from their rivals. Following the match, which Canada won 8-6, Kennedy acknowledged that his response could have been more composed. He admitted to launching an expletive-filled outburst at Eriksson but firmly stated that he had never intended to cheat.
Footage circulating online appears to support Eriksson’s claims, showing Kennedy touching the granite stone after its initial release. Responding to the video, Kennedy remarked, “I’ve never even known that to be a concern before.” He insisted that he had never been aware of “double-touching” being a point of contention in his curling career.
The incident has drawn significant attention in the curling community, marking a rare moment of controversy in a sport typically characterized by sportsmanship. Kennedy suggested that the Swedish team had devised a strategy to expose potential infractions during their matches.
In a further development, Canada’s women’s team faced similar scrutiny when veteran skip Rachel Homan was accused of the same violation during their match against Switzerland. Canadian curlers expressed disbelief at the accusations, which have added to the tension surrounding the Olympic curling events.
The governing body, World Curling, issued a verbal warning to Kennedy the day after the incident but has not formally charged him with cheating. The organization does not utilize video reviews for gameplay, leading to the decision to deploy additional officials to monitor stone releases during subsequent matches.
During the afternoon session on February 17, Canada lost 9-5 to Switzerland, while Sweden secured a 6-4 victory against China. Following these matches, Eriksson noted, “I slept good, I’m not sure about him,” in reference to Kennedy. He explained that he had reported suspicions of Kennedy’s alleged violations to officials in previous competitions, emphasizing the importance of fair play.
The series of events has prompted mixed reactions within the curling community. Glenn Howard, coach of the Swiss team, expressed uncertainty about the implications of the confrontation, contrasting it with what he described as a more lenient attitude towards minor infractions throughout his career.
As the Olympic competition progresses, the incident continues to unfold, with heightened scrutiny on player conduct and the enforcement of rules. Both teams, accustomed to competing against one another outside the Olympics, now find themselves at the center of a debate that could affect their performance and reputation in the tournament.
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the outcome of this controversy may have lasting effects on the players involved and the integrity of the sport.
