TEAM USA CONCLUDES 2022 PARALYMPIC GAMES WITH 5-5 RECORD
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Team USA (Matt Thums, Steve Emt, David Samsa, Oyuna Uranchimeg, and Pam Wilson) entered the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games with the hopes of making Paralympic and USA Curling history as the first U.S. Wheelchair Curling Team to have a podium finish at the Paralympics.
Throughout the course of the 10-game round robin, Team USA encountered highs and lows, but regardless the circumstance, Team USA’s unwavering determination and unity were palpable.
“Our team rallied and played well, even after losses,” said second David Samsa after the team defeated Korea in its final round robin game to conclude the event with a 5-5 overall record.
Team USA embodied the reminder written on Steve Emt’s hand during the Games, “One stone, one end, one game.”
The mantra encouraged the United States to focus on was right in front of them instead of thinking too far into the future.
“It was all every exciting,” said Samsa as he reflected on the week. “We’ve learned we need to keep the jitters down a little bit.”
With four members of the Team making their Paralympic debut, managing nerves was a critical piece to making it through the week.
“We ended up 5-5,” added Samsa. “Pretty happy, you know.”
Despite having been eliminated from playoff contention after the ninth-round robin game against Sweden, Team USA took the ice shortly after to play in its final matchup of the 2022 Paralympic Games, accompanied by the same grit and determination that won the Team the 2021 World-B Championship title and fourth place at the 2022 World Championship to qualify for the Paralympics.
In Team USA’s final game at the 2022 Paralympic Games, the U.S. defeated Korea 7-6, scoring a deuce in the final end to secure victory.
“It was a nice week and we finished on a good note,” said vice and two-time Paralympian Steve Emt. “That’s what it’s all about.”
While the fivesome fell just short of playoff contention and making a run at a podium finish, the Team is already focused on applying the lessons learned in Beijing to continue to improve in upcoming world showings.
“It’s just another learning experience,” said Steve Emt. “In life, there’s winning and there’s learning.”
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People.
