In the crisp world of international curling, a husband-and-wife team from Gimli, Manitoba, is gearing up for what could be a historic moment for Canadian sports. Colton and Kadriana Lott, one of the country's most accomplished mixed doubles curling duos, are heading to Geneva, Switzerland, to compete in the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship starting this Saturday. With a string of national medals under their belts, the Lotts are aiming to secure Canada's first-ever gold in the discipline, a feat that has eluded the nation despite its dominance in other curling formats.
The Lotts have built an impressive resume since 2019, capturing two gold medals, two silvers, and a bronze at the Canadian Mixed Doubles Championships. Their latest quest begins after a strong showing last year, where they finished with an 8-1 record at the 2024 world championship but narrowly missed the podium. "Obviously, Canada hasn’t won gold in this discipline and that’s what we’re setting out to do. We couldn’t be more hungry and driven to do so," Colton Lott said during a media call on Tuesday.
Kadriana Lott echoed her husband's determination, drawing on their shared experience. "We’ve both been there before, so we know what to expect," she said. "Each game of ours is always a tough battle. So, we’re ready to do that throughout the week and hopefully we’ll finish it off with a strong ending." The couple, who left for Switzerland on Tuesday and were set to arrive Wednesday, will face a field that includes the defending champions from Italy—Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner, who also won Olympic gold in mixed doubles at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Colton Lott enters the event on a high note from the men's curling circuit. Earlier this season, he secured his first Tim Hortons Brier title as third for Manitoba's Matt Dunstone and followed it with a silver medal at the world men's curling championship in Switzerland. That silver came just short of gold, adding a layer of motivation as the mixed doubles tournament approaches. "There’s always a little bit of pressure," Colton acknowledged. "Leaning on past experiences with men’s worlds and our worlds, it kind of alleviates some of that pressure. Just with our capability, we know what we can showcase on the world stage."
The international competition promises to be unpredictable, with many unfamiliar teams in the mix. "There’s definitely a lot of different teams there, teams that we probably haven’t seen too much, but everybody’s good," Colton said. He described the games as fast-paced and intense, emphasizing a strategy of taking it one shot at a time. "The games are played at a fast pace and kind of intense, so we just take it game by game and keep that focus within the group and try to put a lot of pressure on them and keep moving forward, shot by shot."
To prepare, the Lotts recently dominated a Super Series mixed doubles event in Ontario, going undefeated and posting the best draw to the button in the tournament. Kadriana, who also competes as second for Saskatchewan's Nancy Martin in women's play, called it a confidence booster. "We were undefeated throughout the whole event and had the best draw to the button, so that was a good booster going into next week," she said. Colton added, "We feel pretty good. It was nice to get back together, especially after the men’s worlds, and we’re in a good headspace going in, feeling good and ready to rock."
I got so pumped, even just watching his worlds. Even attending it makes me more eager and more excited to play this event … I feel we’re ready for this week.
Kadriana's words highlight the personal stakes in their partnership, both on and off the ice. Watching Colton's near-miss at the men's world championship in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, earlier this year fueled her drive. The event, held from March 30 to April 7, saw Canada fall to Sweden in the gold medal final, 7-6. That close call has translated into renewed energy for the mixed doubles campaign.
Mixed doubles curling, introduced as an Olympic event in 2018, has grown rapidly in popularity, blending strategy and precision in a two-person format. Canada has medaled in the discipline at every world championship since 2008 but has yet to claim the top spot. The Lotts' pursuit comes at a time when curling's global appeal is expanding, with events drawing crowds in Europe and Asia. Geneva, host to this year's worlds from April 20 to 27, offers a neutral venue for what organizers describe as a showcase of emerging talents alongside established stars.
While the Italian duo remains a formidable obstacle, Colton noted the level playing field beyond the favorites. Italy's Constantini and Mosaner defended their title last year in Östersund, Sweden, with a 9-3 victory over Canada in the bronze medal game—ironically against the Lotts. That loss, part of their 8-1 round-robin success, underscored the fine margins in the sport. Other contenders include teams from Sweden, Norway, and host Switzerland, though specific matchups for the Lotts' opening draw on Saturday have not been detailed publicly.
The Lotts' home base in Gimli, a small town on the shores of Lake Winnipeg known as 'New Iceland' for its Icelandic heritage, has become a hub for curling excellence. The couple trains at the Gimli Curling Club, where community support runs deep. Their success has inspired local youth programs, with Kadriana often mentoring young curlers during off-seasons. This world championship bid represents not just national pride but a chance to elevate mixed doubles further in Canada, where the sport's four-player version has long overshadowed it.
Looking ahead, a gold medal could reshape the Lotts' legacies and boost funding for mixed doubles development. Curling Canada has invested in the format since its Olympic debut, but international gold would validate those efforts. Kadriana's dual role with Saskatchewan's team adds another dimension; she helped Martin reach the Scotties Tournament of Hearts semifinals in February, showcasing her versatility. Colton, meanwhile, balances his men's team commitments with mixed doubles, a juggling act that demands peak physical and mental conditioning.
As the Lotts settle in Geneva, the curling world watches closely. Their first game on Saturday marks the start of a grueling schedule, with round-robin play leading to playoffs. Weather in Geneva this time of year is mild, with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit), ideal for indoor competition at the Geneva Curling Club. Officials from World Curling Federation expect a full house, given the event's proximity to last year's men's worlds.
For Colton and Kadriana, the journey is as much about partnership as performance. Married since 2018, they credit their on-ice chemistry to off-ice trust. "We’ve both been there before," Kadriana reiterated, a nod to their shared resilience. If they can channel the momentum from Ontario and Colton's recent successes, Canada could finally break through.
The implications of a Lotts victory extend beyond the ice. It would mark a milestone for gender-integrated sports in Canada, highlighting mixed doubles as a viable path for Olympic glory. With the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics on the horizon—where mixed doubles returns—the pressure is on. Yet, as Colton put it, their past experiences equip them to handle it. The week in Geneva promises drama, strategy, and perhaps a golden ending for one of curling's most dynamic teams.
Until the stones slide, anticipation builds. The Lotts, ever the battlers, are poised to make history—or at least give it their best sweeping shot.