canada sweden curling feud

Canada-Sweden Curling Feud Reignites Over ‘Double-Touch’ Controversy: What’s Behind the Ice

When it comes to international curling, few rivalries spark as much passion—and confusion—as the decades-old Canada-Sweden showdown. But in early 2024, that rivalry has once again flared up over a single, seemingly simple rule violation: the so-called “double-touch.”

A recent viral video showing Swedish skip Oskar Eriksson intentionally touching two of his own stones during a practice drill has reignited a heated debate among fans, officials, and former Olympians alike. The clip, which circulated widely on social media and major sports news platforms, features Eriksson pausing mid-shot to deliberately place two fingers on two different stones after they’ve come to rest—a move critics argue violates World Curling Federation (WCF) rules.

But why does this moment matter? And how did a routine practice drill evolve into a full-blown diplomatic spat between two nations with deep curling traditions?

What Is the ‘Double-Touch’ Rule?

Before diving into the drama, let’s clarify what exactly constitutes a double-touch violation in curling.

According to the World Curling Federation’s official rules, a player is only allowed to touch their own stone once after it has stopped moving. This rule exists to prevent players from altering the position or trajectory of their stone after delivery—essentially ensuring fairness and consistency in gameplay.

The act of touching a stone more than once is considered an infraction, punishable by a one-point deduction for the team. In high-stakes tournaments like the Olympics or the Brier, such penalties can shift momentum dramatically.

In Eriksson’s case, he didn’t just brush against the stones; he clearly placed two fingers on each of two separate stones while they were still stationary—an action many interpreted as a deliberate demonstration of the rule itself.

How Did This Video Go Viral?

The footage first surfaced on CBC News on February 12, 2024, during coverage of the ongoing World Men’s Curling Championship in Geneva. While the event was meant to spotlight top-tier athleticism and strategy, commentators quickly zeroed in on Eriksson’s pause during a warm-up shot.

“He literally stops, looks at the camera, touches two stones… and walks away,” noted CBC analyst Colleen Jones, herself a legendary figure in Canadian curling history. “It wasn’t accidental. It was theatrical.”

Within hours, hashtags like #DoubleTouchGate and #ErikssonChallenge trended across Twitter and TikTok. Memes flooded social feeds—from animated GIFs showing Eriksson “accidentally” bumping into referees to satirical sketches imagining him as a courtroom lawyer defending his actions.

But beneath the memes lies a deeper concern: if even elite athletes are bending—or flouting—the rules, where does that leave the integrity of the sport?

Why Does This Matter in Canada-Sweden Relations?

While curling may seem like a niche winter pastime compared to hockey or lacrosse, it carries significant cultural weight in both Canada and Sweden.

For Canadians, curling isn’t just a sport—it’s woven into national identity. From small-town arenas in Ontario to televised bonspiels in British Columbia, the game symbolizes community, precision, and quiet competitiveness. The Canadian Curling Association (now part of Curling Canada) has long prided itself on strict adherence to tradition and fairness.

Sweden, meanwhile, boasts one of the most successful curling programs globally. Teams like Team Hasselborg (women) and Team Edin (men) have dominated European competitions for years, blending technical mastery with psychological warfare—often using subtle gestures or timing tricks to unsettle opponents.

Oskar Eriksson, skip of Team Edin, is no stranger to controversy. In the 2018 Winter Olympics, his team famously lost to Sweden’s Anna Hasselborg in a controversial semifinal that hinged on disputed hammer claims. Since then, Eriksson has been vocal about “psychological edge” in curling—leading some Canadians to view him as less of an athlete and more of a provocateur.

So when Eriksson appears to mock the very rules he’s supposed to follow, it strikes a nerve.

“This isn’t about one man,” said retired Canadian curler Brad Gushue in a recent interview with The Globe and Mail. “It’s about respect—for the game, for your opponents, and for the spirit of fair play. When someone uses a practice session to send a message… that’s not sportsmanship. That’s sabotage.”

Official Reactions: Silence from the Top?

Despite widespread media attention, neither the Swedish Curling Federation nor the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a formal statement condemning Eriksson’s actions. Similarly, Curling Canada declined multiple requests for comment, citing ongoing internal reviews.

However, sources within the sport suggest the issue is being taken seriously behind the scenes.

“We’re reviewing the footage in conjunction with WCF guidelines,” said a spokesperson for the World Curling Federation, speaking anonymously due to confidentiality agreements. “If the intent was to demonstrate or test the rule, that crosses a line. Practice drills should not undermine the credibility of officiating.”

Meanwhile, Swedish journalists report that Eriksson himself has remained unapologetic. In a brief Instagram Live session, he defended the gesture as “artistic expression,” comparing it to a dancer rehearsing a step before a performance.

“I wasn’t trying to break any rules,” Eriksson said. “I was exploring the boundaries of the game.”

Whether that explanation holds water remains to be seen.

Historical Precedents: Has This Happened Before?

While the double-touch controversy feels fresh, similar tensions have simmered between Canada and Sweden since the sport’s modern era began in the 1960s.

One notable flashpoint came during the 1987 World Championships, when Canadian skip Richard Hart famously accused Swedish skip Peo Gustafsson of “timing tampering”—claiming Gustafsson used a hidden stopwatch to measure delivery speeds. Though never proven, the accusation led to tense exchanges between coaches and delayed the start of several games.

More recently, during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Canadian women’s skip Jennifer Jones alleged that her Swedish opponent Anna Hasselborg had “psychologically pressured” her by staring down the house during a critical end. Again, no evidence supported the claim—but the emotional toll was real.

These incidents underscore a broader truth: curling thrives on perception as much as physics. A glance, a pause, a tap on the ice—each movement can carry subtext.

Impact on the Sport: Fair Play Under Scrutiny

So what does this mean for curling today?

For starters, the incident has prompted calls for clearer guidelines around “demonstration plays” during official events. Currently, there’s no explicit prohibition against practicing rules in competition settings—but many believe that needs updating.

“We need to distinguish between rehearsal and rehearsal during play,” argued Dr. Lisa Chen, a sports ethicist at Simon Fraser University. “When a player pauses mid-end to perform a stunt, they’re not just testing technique—they’re questioning the authority of the referees. That erodes trust.”

Economically, the fallout could affect sponsorship deals. Major brands like Tim Hortons and Scotiabank have long aligned themselves with curling’s wholesome, family-friendly image. If the sport becomes associated with rule-bending theatrics, those partnerships might waver.

Socially, however, the reaction has been mixed. Many young curlers—especially in rural Canada—see Eriksson’s act as harmless mischief. After all, who hasn’t practiced tricky shots alone in the garage?

But older generations, steeped in curling’s code of conduct, feel differently.

“My grandfather taught me that a good curler respects the ice,” said Sarah Miller, 42, from Nova Scotia, during a recent club meeting. “You don’t treat the game like a joke. Especially not when you’re representing your country.”

Looking Ahead: Will There Be Consequences?

As of March 2024, no formal sanctions have been imposed against Eriksson or Team Edin. But pressure is mounting.

Curling Canada is reportedly drafting new conduct policies for international events, including stricter definitions of “acceptable demonstration.” Meanwhile, fan petitions demanding Eriksson’s removal from future competitions have garnered thousands of signatures.

Some analysts speculate that the real test will come at the upcoming World Mixed Doubles Championship in November—where Eriksson plans to compete alongside his partner Margaretha Sigfridsson.

“If he pulls off another ‘double-touch’ stunt there,” said CBC’s curling commentator Vic Rauter, “you’ll know whether the sport values tradition over spectacle.”

One thing is certain: the ice may be frozen, but the debate is far from over.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Stones

At its core,