Imagine stepping onto the Olympic ice, knowing that none other than Snoop Dogg is in the crowd, cheering you on. Talk about pressure—or is it the ultimate motivator? That’s exactly what happened to the U.S. Olympic mixed doubles curling team, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, as they faced off against Canada in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: not only did they know Snoop was there, but they also used that energy to clinch a stunning 7-5 victory over their previously undefeated rivals. And this is the part most people miss—it wasn’t just luck. A strategic heads-up from their coaches ensured they were mentally prepared, turning Snoop’s presence into a secret weapon.
The match itself was a masterclass in precision and strategy. After a tense fifth end where the U.S. secured just one point with the hammer, Canada, trailing 4-3, decided to deploy their power play—a high-stakes move that sets up favorable starting stones. But here’s the controversial part: despite the power play’s potential, Canada only managed one point, thanks to Thiesse and Dropkin’s stellar shot-making. Was this a tactical misstep by Canada, or simply the Americans’ day to shine? The U.S. team then seized their own power play in the seventh end, scoring three points and securing a lead Canada couldn’t overcome. Dropkin’s double takeout late in the game was the icing on the cake, leaving the crowd—and Snoop—in awe.
With this win, Thiesse and Dropkin not only matched but surpassed the best-ever start for a U.S. curling team at the Olympics, moving to 4-0. Later that day, they crushed the Czech Republic 8-1, solidifying their spot at the top. But let’s pause for a moment—does a flawless start guarantee Olympic gold? Not necessarily. The field is fierce, with Great Britain’s Bruce Mouat and Italy’s defending champions, Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner, looming as serious contenders. And let’s not forget Canada, who could very well be a future medal-round opponent. As Dropkin put it, ‘That’s a great team out there. Probably see them later on.’
After the match, Snoop—who was at the Olympics as an NBC correspondent—made his way to the arena floor, sporting a custom U.S.-themed outfit featuring Thiesse and Dropkin’s faces. He even tried his hand at curling, with U.S. skips Danny Casper and Tabitha Peterson as his coaches. The team gifted him a ‘Coach Snoop’ curling uniform, while he handed out Snoop-branded gear. ‘It was just so cool to have him here, supporting us,’ Thiesse said. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Does celebrity presence at sporting events elevate performance, or does it add unnecessary pressure? Let us know in the comments!
As the tournament progresses, the U.S. team’s 4-0 start is undeniably impressive, but the road to a medal is far from over. With Great Britain leading the standings at 5-0 and Italy regaining momentum, every match from here on out is a battle. One thing’s for sure: with Snoop Dogg in their corner, Thiesse and Dropkin have already made this Olympics unforgettable. Now, let’s see if they can turn that momentum into gold.
