Swedish Moms Win Second Olympic Gold After Baby Break

Eight years after their first Olympic gold, Sweden's women's curling team just proved they're stronger than ever by capturing their second gold medal in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The squad edged Switzerland 6-5 in Sunday's final, making history as the first women's curling team to secure three Olympic medals. They previously won gold in 2018 and bronze in 2022.

What makes this victory remarkable is the journey it took to get there. Three players, including 36-year-old team captain Anna Hasselborg, welcomed babies in 2023, turning their Olympic preparation into what Hasselborg jokingly called a "circus" with their large traveling family group.

The team entered the Games without favored status, but gradually found their competitive edge again. They won their third European Curling Championships crown in November, signaling their return to form.

"Technically, we're so strong, but I think the key one thing is our team spirit, and the trust we have for each other, and all the fun we're having," Hasselborg said after the victory. "Eight years later, I think this is the strongest we have ever been, mentally, technically, strategically."

Their Olympic performance backed up that confidence. Sweden dominated the preliminary round, became the first team to reach the semifinals, then defeated Canada (the world's top-ranked team and two-time world champions) before claiming gold.

Why This Inspires

Hasselborg's children watched from the stands as she made history, witnessing their mom balance motherhood with Olympic glory. "Becoming a mother, it's not always easy to find that balance and motivation, because becoming a mom is so much more important than everything else," she reflected.

But Sweden found that balance at exactly the right time. "I'm so proud to be able to show them that anything is possible, with the support of the family," Hasselborg said. "You can do anything."

Her daughter, the older of her two children, understood something big was happening that weekend.

Four years of aggressive strategy and technical precision came together in one perfect weekend, proving that taking time for what matters most doesn't mean giving up on your dreams.