15 Amazing facts about Curling
Things you probably didn’t know about Curling
Many people are waiting for the next winter games to enjoy each of the sports included. One of the sports that has gained great popularity in recent years is curling.
So, if you are a new spectator you will want to know the following 15 great facts. This will make it much easier to enjoy the experience of each curling game. Both the origin and the operation of the game itself, have very curious facts that we mention below.
Curling originated in Scotland:
The origin dates back to Scotland to the year 1511. Some records indicate that the first games were made in frozen lakes and frozen ponds with curling stones. These stones had a primitive design and were materials from Perth and Stirling.
2. Curling Stones are made of rare granite
The stones used for curling are manufactured to exact specifications. Here the weight of the stone can vary depending on the category of the competition. The granite used comes from the Trefor granite quarry in Wales or from the Scottish island Ailsa Craig. Of course, this material will have to be changed due to the low availability in the future.
3. Curling’s Olympic debut was long before it became an official sport:
Curling has been established as an official sport since 1998. However, the inaugural games were first held in France in 1924. So, over these 74 years, curling has been definitively established in the Winter Olympics.
4. Curling has its own language:
Of course, many sports have their language and technical terms. So curling is no exception and it is possible to find precise words for this game. Here both to the launch, the players and the target have their terms. Thus it is possible to find "the house", "the hack" and "the pig line".
5. Curling’s nickname is "the game of the roar":
When the stone slides through the track a particular sound is generated. This noise comes from one side of the stone in combination with the ice. Also, part of the sound is generated by the players while they are sweeping and melting the ice to make the stone advance.
6. Curling requires different types of shoes:
On the one hand, slippers are used on one foot only. The other shoe used is called a clamp and is used to push the stone out of the hack. This combination of different shoes is subtle to sweep more cleanly and quickly.
7. A famous moment in Curling:
There was at least one player with a rebellious personality in the sport of curling. Paul Goswell from Calgary was wearing checkered pants and had long hair. Even in 1980, this player ordered a pizza to eat at the same time he was on the ice. So he earned the nickname "Pizza Paul"
8. A large number of celebrities enjoy Curling:
Many celebrities are known all over the world who are fans of this sport. One of them is George Clooney who has been a fan since 2000 in Canada. In those years it was easy to find George Clooney at a lot of curling games. It is also easy to find other personalities like Vernon Davis, Bruce Springsteen, Toby Kate, and other celebrities.
9. Courtesy is important in Curling:
In this sport, courtesy is one of the most important aspects of all people involved. Even the best opponents do not badmouth each other or make fun of each other. On the contrary, congratulations on good strategies and excellent shots are what abound. It is even possible to notice high levels of solidarity.
10. There are few known Curling scandals:
Sports-related scandals are often abundant. However, this is not the case with curling. One of the most prominent is Broomgate. This was simply due to a new technology included in brooms. Of course, this was not a major inconvenience, as it was solved shortly afterwards.
11. The first Curling stones were made of iron:
The type of rare granite we have mentioned has not always been used. On the contrary, the first stones were shaped like teapots and weighed between 60 and 80 pounds. It is even possible to find these ancient stones in many clubs in Canada. After that, the rare granite that is used for stones today was discovered.
12. Incredible Physical Phenomena:
The operation of this game is something that puzzles many physical scientists considerably. Curling stones do not behave like other objects. In this case, these stones turn in the same direction that the players want them to. This is one of the aspects that attracts many spectators.
13. The first official Curling rules are from 180 years ago:
Just as it is a very old sport it also has many aspects that are also very old. So, the first body that established the rules of this sport was the Grand Caledonian Curling Club. In 1838 this sport had standardized equipment and rules
14. The United States has only won one Curling medal:
The United States is one of the countries known to have won a lot of medals in several Olympic games. However, the only curling medal won was at the 2006 Turin games. Here the men's team won the bronze medal.
15. The players greet each other at the beginning and end of the game:
In principle, this is a behaviour that is part of the solidarity and spirit of this sport. However, it is something very characteristic that differs from other sports. That is why it is not very likely to know fights between the different opponents of a curling competition.
As winter looms, people in countries that have curling clubs near them will be getting ready to get back on the ice. Much like bowls and golf, curling is a low-impact sport that can be played at any age. Check out our Golf articles here, and if you are interested in starting Golf, there are some recommendations for beginners Golf clubs here! If you are interested in starting Curling, we can’t help quite as much!
Final Word on Curling
Year after year, curling continues to attract a large number of fans and spectators. That's why you are likely to find these 15 very curious facts about the sport. It is also easy to find a supportive environment and a pleasant spirit.
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