U.S. curler Korey Dropkin embracing the moment: “Olympic trials come with the Olympic aura”

U.S. Curler Korey Dropkin Embraces the Moment

After securing a spot in the mixed doubles curling event for Milano Cortina 2026, Korey Dropkin now shifts focus to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Taking place from November 11-16, Dropkin aims to earn the chance to represent the United States at the last-chance qualifier for the men’s team event in December.

Father’s Advice Shapes His Path

“One of the big things that my dad always told me was get the reps in,” Korey Dropkin shared at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) summit in New York in late October.

This advice, given during his childhood, remains central to Dropkin's mindset today. For the 30-year-old athlete, his father’s words have become a literal guide in his preparation rather than just a metaphor.

Chasing Olympic Quotas

Since January 2025, Dropkin has been focused on qualifying for both the men’s and mixed doubles curling events at the 2026 Winter Olympics. His journey has faced ups and downs:

Earlier this year, Dropkin narrowly missed securing a spot in the men’s event.
He ended John Shuster’s national winning streak to represent the U.S. at the 2025 World Men’s Curling Championships in Moose Jaw.
Despite obtaining one of the first eight quota spots, Dropkin’s team finished 11th with a 4-8 record.
As a result, the U.S. did not secure a direct place for the Olympics and must now pursue qualification through a last-chance event.

Dropkin continues to prepare intensely for this opportunity.

Author’s Summary

Korey Dropkin, driven by his father’s advice, is determined to secure a spot at the 2026 Winter Olympics despite setbacks, embracing every challenge along the way.

Olympics — 2025-11-08

U.S. Curler Korey Dropkin Embraces the Moment

Father’s Advice Shapes His Path

Chasing Olympic Quotas

Author’s Summary

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