Hundreds gather at Duluth Curling Club to support Cory Thiesse and Kory Dropkin

DULUTH, Minn.– Two Duluthians made history Tuesday morning, by becoming the first USA duo to take home a medal in mixed doubles curling.

And in their hometown of Duluth, hundreds gathered at the Duluth Curling Club to see it happen.

“We knew it was just going to be explosive in here,” said Nicole Caldwell, Events Manager at the Duluth Curling Club.

“We’re here for Cory and Korey. It doesn’t matter if we made money or not. We are open regardless, because our main priority is just to cheer them on so loud,” said Caldwell.

Team USA Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin went against Sweden for the gold medal game.

The entire game was neck to neck.

“Being able to keep your calm under that type of pressure is something that I cannot even comprehend. So, yeah, I get stressed out on league night. I can’t imagine the pressure they are under,” said Kristen Kurtz, a Duluth Curling Club member.

Beyond the medal game, Cory Thiesse is leaving her mark in a different way, as fellow club member, Kristen Kurtz said, there’s plenty to be proud of.

“Cory Thiesse is the first woman in US history to win a medal is it gives me goosebump thinking about it,” said Kurtz.

And when they arrive back home at the Twin Ports, a warm welcome already awaits.

“You’re an inspiration. We’re proud of you, that the entire club is beyond belief proud of you, and that no matter what like we’re going to celebrate you, and you come home, you deserve it. There’s more Olympics to come,” beamed Kurtz.