Philippines’ curling Team Pursues Olympic Dream, Inspired by ‘Cool Runnings’
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A remarkable underdog story is unfolding in the world of curling, as the Philippines national team edges closer to a historic appearance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. What began as a series of jokes just two and a half years ago is now a tangible pursuit of Olympic qualification, fueled by dedication and a spirit reminiscent of the 1993 film Cool runnings.
Did you know? – The Philippines’ curling team’s journey began just two and a half years ago. They’re now aiming for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their story mirrors the spirit of the film Cool Runnings, about the Jamaican bobsleigh team.
From Lifestyle Change to Olympic Ambition
The catalyst for this unlikely journey is Alan Frei, a Swiss-Filipino entrepreneur who embarked on a path to physical activity following a doctor’s recommendation. After selling his business, Frei resolved to channel his ambitious nature into a new challenge: reaching the Olympics. His initial foray into cross-country skiing eventually led him to curling, where he connected with fellow Swiss-Filipino Christian Haller, who envisioned establishing a Filipino curling team.
Pro tip: – Team member Alan Frei shifted his role to alternate. This strategic move prioritized the team’s Olympic goal. Frei views the team’s journey as a collaborative effort, like the fellowship in The Lord of the Rings.
“Starting two and a half years ago, people were making jokes,” Frei recounted. “I’m not sure how many people really believed the story, and then we made the step from Pan Continental B-Division to A, and then it was like, Okay. I was getting closer, and now this tournament, and so we are crawling inch by inch.”
‘Curl Runnings’: A Nation Embraces the dream
The team’s story has captured the imagination of the Philippines, earning the nickname ‘Curl Runnings’ – a nod to the beloved film about the Jamaican bobsleigh team’s improbable Olympic quest.The parallels are striking, and the nation is rallying behind its curlers.
reader question: – What do you think is the most inspiring aspect of the Philippines curling team’s story? Share your thoughts on their dedication and the impact of their journey on the nation.
Frei, a key figure in the team’s formation, is joined by brothers Marc and Enrico Pfister, and, as of July, brayden Carpenter, a Filipino-Canadian with prior competitive experience. Carpenter, who previously curled under skip Cameron De Jong and represented British Columbia at Canada’s national championship – the Montana Brier – has taken on a more prominent role as lead for the Filipinos.
A Shift in Roles, A unified Goal
At the Pre-Olympic Qualification event in Aberdeen, Carpenter’s increased involvement coincided with Frei assuming the role of alternate, essentially a substitute player. This strategic shift, Frei explained, was a collaborative decision made with the team’s collective Olympic ambitions in mind.
“For me, my goal was to go to the Olympics,” Frei stated. “It’s more about the Lord of the Rings story, like the fellowship. And maybe my part is now a little bit different, you know? And that’s okay, becuase 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 fully okay. We have one goal,it’s a team sport,and we want to get there,to the Olympics,as a team.”
This willingness to adapt and prioritize the team’s overall success underscores the dedication driving the Philippines’
