Two-time Olympian and third for John Shuster, Chris Plys, expresses quiet confidence as his team prepares for the U.S. Olympic Curling Team Trials. The event determines which team will represent the United States at December’s Olympic Qualification Event and beyond.
Before the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the Olympic Qualification Event in Kelowna, Canada, the U.S. Trials are the crucial first step. This five-day competition brings together the nation’s top men’s and women’s curling teams and will select the champion to pursue one of the final two team quotas for the 2026 Games in February.
At 38 years old, Plys, who competed at the 2010 Vancouver and 2022 Beijing Olympics, reflects on the importance of this decisive moment.
"Speaking at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee summit in New York at the end of October, Plys shared a palpable enthusiasm for the challenge, even against the backdrop of a recent injury."
The U.S. Trials are more than just a competition; they represent the gateway to Olympic representation and the chance to secure a coveted spot at the Games.
Chris Plys’s experience and determination highlight the high stakes and dedication involved in this pivotal event.
The U.S. Olympic Curling Team Trials are a critical step for teams aiming to represent the country at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with seasoned athlete Chris Plys ready to face the challenge despite recent setbacks.
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