Homan's 40th Straight Win for the Grand Slam Title
In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Rachel Homan and her Ottawa-based curling team secured their 17th Grand Slam women’s title at the Kioti National, edging past Sweden's Team Anna Hasselborg in a nail-biting 6-5 victory. This win marks a significant milestone for Homan's squad, consisting of Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, as they continue to set the standard in women’s curling.
The final was a true test of character for Homan’s team, who found themselves behind on multiple occasions throughout the tournament. The game against Team Hasselborg was no exception. Despite a slow start and a stolen point by Hasselborg in the seventh end, Homan’s team rallied in the eighth end, staging a two-point comeback to secure the victory and extend their record for most Grand Slam titles in women’s curling history.
The victory also marked a strong continuation of Homan's dominance on the curling circuit. The team had previously overcome significant challenges in both the quarterfinals and semifinals, where they fought back from deficits to defeat Japan’s Team Sayaka Yoshimura and South Korea’s Team Eun-jung Kim. Reflecting on the difficulty of these matches, Homan acknowledged that managing their mistakes in critical moments was a key factor in their improved performance in the playoff rounds.
This latest Grand Slam victory further cements Homan’s place among the sport’s elite. It also marks her third consecutive appearance in a Grand Slam final, with this win being her second consecutive title. Homan had previously claimed the Co-op Canadian Open earlier in the season, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest level consistently. Her 2024 season, which boasts an impressive 75-5 record, also includes victories at the Canadian and World Championships, adding to her growing legacy.
The final against Hasselborg was not an easy contest, however. Homan’s team faced a challenging start and had to dig deep to claw back into contention. With the stakes high, Homan seized the final opportunity in the eighth end, securing the two points necessary to clinch the win. The victory not only earned them a $42,000 prize from the purse but also further solidified their place in curling history.
As Homan and her team head into the new year, their consistent excellence, marked by resilience and clutch performances, solidifies them as one of the top contenders in the sport. With an enviable combination of experience, skill, and determination, Rachel Homan continues to set the bar high for the future of women’s curling.
