U.S. Curler Korey Dropkin Embracing the Moment
After securing a spot in the Olympic mixed doubles curling event for Milano Cortina 2026, Korey Dropkin now shifts focus to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. From November 11-16, he will compete to represent the United States in the last-chance qualifier for the men’s team event in December.
Key Advice from Family
“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 last October.
The question posed to Dropkin centered on the best advice he received as a child and whether it still guides him today. For the 30-year-old athlete, his father’s words have taken on a very practical meaning.
Dual Quest for Olympic Qualification
Since January 2025, Dropkin has been focused on securing U.S. quotas for both the men’s and mixed doubles curling events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with mixed success.
- Although he broke John Shuster’s winning streak at Nationals to qualify for the 2025 World Men’s Curling Championships in Moose Jaw, finishing with a 4-8 record placed his team 11th overall.
- This finish prevented the U.S. from confirming a direct spot in Cortina for the men’s event.
- As a result, the U.S. must now compete in the last-chance qualifier to earn its place.
Looking Ahead
Dropkin’s journey continues as he aims to seize the opportunity at the upcoming trials and last-chance qualifier to help secure a berth for the United States in the men’s curling competition at Milano Cortina 2026.
Author’s summary: Korey Dropkin is fully committed to representing the U.S. at Milano Cortina 2026, embracing his father's advice and facing the challenges ahead with determination.
Would you prefer a more formal or casual tone for this text?