What happened in Aberdeen: a historic step for Philippine curling
The Philippines’ men’s curling team etched another milestone in their unlikely Olympic journey at Curl Aberdeen, defeating Poland 7-2 to secure a top-three finish in the Pre-Olympic Qualification Event 2025. With that win, the five-man squad skipped by Marc Pfister not only claimed the first available ticket to the Final Olympic Qualifier in Kelowna, Canada, in December, but did so while remaining unbeaten across six games. The moment was met with a chorus of astonishment and joy, as teammates and supporters soaked in a rare triumph on the world curling stage.
A headline vs. expectations: the team’s cautious optimism
For Alan Frei, the win felt almost surreal. “This is surreal. It’s absolutely surreal, and it’s such a nice feeling,” he told Olympics.com, still grinning as the week closed. The victory encapsulated a broader truth about this squad: they are growing stronger with every game, inching toward their Olympic dream one shift at a time. Frei’s reflections also underscored a key element driving the team: focus. “We were crawling for inches, being super focused. The whole week, you start to drift off, like think of the next tournament and then you need to go back again, and it’s just the next game,” he noted.
From Harbin to Aberdeen: a turning point for the Philippines
The team’s ascent began with a historic gold at the Asian Winter Games 2025 in Harbin, a breakthrough that seeded higher expectations. Yet the path since then has been anything but linear. A longer training window and the addition of a new coach raised hopes, only to meet a rough start: the Philippines “lost every game” early in the season. Frei recalls the setback candidly, but credits the squad’s cohesion for turning the tide. “There are no egos in the game, just here for the team,” he says, highlighting a culture of collective resilience that distinguishes this program from many others.
Team dynamics and individuals: the ‘Curl Runnings’ story
The lineup blends veterans and newcomers, including Frei, brothers Marc and Enrico Pfister, and Filipino-Canadian Brayden Carpenter, who joined in July. Carpenter, bringing experience from British Columbia, took on a lead role during the Aberdeen event, while Frei shifted to an alternate position. The strategic reshuffle—and the willingness to reassign roles—reflects a team prepared to do whatever it takes to reach the Olympics. Frei framed the shift in narrative terms, likening their mission to an epic journey: “The goal is the rings, like in The Lord of the Rings. So, I’m now maybe on a side quest a bit more, and this is completely okay.”
Looking ahead: what next for the Filipino curling team?
The road to Milano Cortina 2026 continues with the Pan Continental Curling Championships 2025 (PCCC) A-Division in Virginia, Minnesota. While the PCCC does not directly determine Olympic qualification, it serves as an important gauge against teams from the Americas, Pacific, and Asia. Frei expects stiff competition: “Many of the teams that play at the Pan Cons will play at the qualifier,” he notes. The Philippines’ plan remains clear: keep verses tight, stay focused, and build toward Kelowna where the final two Olympic berths will be decided. The team’s mantra—“it’s day one again” after joyous wins—frames a relentless, ongoing pursuit, with a blend of celebration and training already in the mix.
Why this matters: a global sport expanding in surprising places
Beyond the results, the Philippines’ curling tale is a reminder of curling’s growing reach. A small team with a big dream demonstrates how dedicated athletes, smart coaching, and communal support can challenge traditional powerhouses. As the players prepare for the next trials, the broader curling community watches with curiosity and encouragement, curious to see how far this earnest underdog story can go.
In their own words: the season’s spirit and the road ahead
Frei’s closing sentiment captures the mood: “Now, it’s like it’s day one. We’re back at day one.” The sense of renewed purpose is palpable, with a focus on training, preparation, and the shared objective of reaching Milano Cortina 2026 as a team. The journey—nicknamed Curl Runnings by fans—continues inch by inch, game by game, with a nation rallying behind a group of curlers who refuse to quit on the dream.
