Introduction: A Historic Breakthrough in Aberdeen
The Philippines’ men’s curling team has etched a new chapter in its sporting narrative. At the Pre-Olympic Qualification Event 2025 in Curl Aberdeen, the five-strong squad, skippered by Marc Pfister, defeated Poland 7-2 to secure a coveted spot in the final Olympic Qualifier in Kelowna, Canada, in December. They finished unbeaten across six games, a remarkable feat that confirms their place in the next stage of the Olympic journey and reinforces the team’s identity as the sport’s unlikely trailblazers.
The Moment that Electrified a Nation
For Alan Frei, the victory was a moment of pure elation that spread through the room. The result signaled more than a win; it was the tangible payoff of months of hard work, discipline, and an increasingly unified squad. “This is surreal,” Frei told Olympics.com, still smiling as he reflected on the week. The win wasn’t just about a single game; it represented a systemic advance in the Philippines’ curling ambitions and a renewed belief that the goal of competing at Milano Cortina 2026 is within reach.
Consistency and Guts: The Team’s Formula for Success
Team stability, focused preparation, and a hunger to beat tougher, more established sides formed the backbone of their run. Frei lauded the “inches” they clawed out through a four-day test of nerves and skill, noting that the players remained relentlessly centered on the next game. The preparation started long before Aberdeen, with added training and the arrival of a new coach, aimed at translating last year’s Asian Winter Games gold into continued momentum on the world stage.
A Turning Point After a Grimm Start
Even as they raised the Asian Winter Games 2025 gold high, the squad confronted a rough start to the season. Frei recalls the sting of losing every game at the outset, a humbling reminder that progress in curling—like life—comes in ebbs and flows. Yet such adversity crystallized the team’s resolve. “The good thing is when it counts, like we are here,” Frei said, emphasising the absence of egos and the shared mission to reach the Olympics as a team.
Individual Stories Within a Shared Dream
Frei has become a central figure in the Philippines’ curling renaissance, not only for his leadership but for his personal journey into the sport. The Swiss-Filipino entrepreneur embraced curling after reorganizing his life around physical activity, and his path is now intertwined with other athletes who bring diverse experiences to the team. The roster includes siblings Marc and Enrico Pfister, and recently joined Filipino-Canadian Brayden Carpenter, whose experience in Canada’s national curling scene adds depth to the lineup.
Role-Shifting and Strategic Decisions
At Aberdeen, Carpenter took the lead role in most games, while Frei moved to the role of alternate. The shift reflects a strategic recalibration aimed at maximizing the team’s chances in Kelowna. “We have one goal, it’s a team sport, and we want to get there, to the Olympics, as a team,” Frei explained, drawing a parallel to a fellowship-like journey where every member has a critical part to play in the larger mission.
The Road Ahead: A National Quest with Global Ambitions
The next stop is the Pan Continental Curling Championships 2025 in Virginia, Minnesota, a dress rehearsal for the looming Olympic qualifiers. Although the PCCC itself won’t directly decide the Milano Cortina fate, it will provide a crucial benchmark as teams from the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific measure their form against one another. Frei framed the event as a testing ground against strong nations likely to feature again in Kelowna, including the United States, China, Japan, and Korea.
Conclusion: The Start of a Longer Journey
As the team returns to the grind, the new chapter remains defined by hard work, collective purpose, and an unwavering belief that inch-by-inch progress can culminate in Olympic participation. Frei’s succinct summary—“It’s day one again; it’s all in”—encapsulates the mindset that has carried the Philippines curling team from regional novelty to credible continental contenders. The Curl Runnings story isn’t just about a string of wins; it’s about a national belief in possibility, and a future where the Philippines could be seen on curling’s biggest stages.
