Curling fans really come out of the woodwork every four years for the Winter Olympics, and celebrities are no exception. Of course, so do the haters.
After an uninspiring start, both the men and the women’s Team USA squads have a real shot at making the tie-breaker and semi-final rounds in curling at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. With a decent number of their games taking place in primetime, prominent, nay, celebrity, curling fans have identified themselves and/or shared their discovery of the sport on Twitter.
Of course, anytime people are happy and something provides joy, especially on the internet, haters will follow. Even in, or especially in, the case of celebrities (?).
On Monday night, when perhaps John Shuster’s Team USA had their most inspiring performance — a crucial win over Switzerland — Kirstie Alley, she of such 90s delights as Cheers and Veronica’s Closet as well as numerous TV movies and a shortlived 2013 TV series called Kirstie in which she played someone not-named Kirstie, was not impressed.
The feeling is, apparently, mutual.
We’re not trying to be mean either but your movies weren’t exactly riveting theater Kirstie. #justsaying #curling #rockit #TeamUSA https://t.co/8q9KtxvCPe
— Team Shuster (@TeamShuster) February 20, 2018
Curling has won notable curling fans, particularly among their fellow athletes. Vernon Davis is a noted diehard — and honorary USA Curling captain — and J.J. Watt is a recent convert.
https://twitter.com/USEmbassySeoul/status/963641779013799936
Curling FTW pic.twitter.com/7cYShbE5gj
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 12, 2018
Mr. T is also a fan, specifically of the women’s game. It’s essentially all he tweets about these days.
Canada defeated Norway in the semi-finals, and Won the Gold medal in the finals vs Switzerland in mixed doubles curling.. I really like curling and I’m learning a lot. #Hurryhard #curlingiscoolfool
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 14, 2018
Like I said before, Curling is not as easy as it looks. I must be honest with you.. That little broom reminds me of my Swiffer Sweeper! I’m just saying...
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 14, 2018
Anyways, I see curling as a finesse sport, more straight and controlled strength. Not brute strength, like when I was a bouncer, oh no!
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 14, 2018
I like curling, it’s less wear and tear on the body. I wrestled, boxed, and studied martial arts. I have nothing else to prove. Therefore I choose curling. #curlingiscoolfool
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 14, 2018
The US women's curling team had a scare last night in their win against Great Britain. That was a close one ladies. Whew! #curlingiscoolfool
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 16, 2018
Getting comfortable on my couch preparing to watch Woman’s Curling- Defending Olympic champion Canada takes on the US. Go USA Go!!
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 17, 2018
Come on Ladies we need more Offense! Let’s go Nina! We can Win this!
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 17, 2018
That’s alright Nina, you tried! Canada was the best tonight, Congrats. Hold your heads up high ladies, you’re down but you’re not out! #curlingiscoolfool
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 18, 2018
Since the Women’s curling team is off today, i’ll be watching and rooting for the Men’s curling team as they battle Norway. Lets go USA, all the way! #curlingiscoolfool #GoTeamUSA
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 18, 2018
Lets go Men, Keep your eyes on the prize. Don't get distracted by the pants Norway’s wearing. That’s called wardrobe warfare! Grrr #curlingiscoolfool #GoTeamUSA
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 18, 2018
Oh well, the US men's team lost to Norway. Too much jibber jabber. Just get set and throw the stone.. got to be more aggressive! Congrats to Norway! #curlingiscoolfool
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 19, 2018
Congratulations to the US Women and Men’s curling teams on the victories today! Keep up the good work, one match at a time. #curlingiscoolfool #TeamUSA
— Mr. T (@MrT) February 20, 2018
Mr. T is truly all of us, getting far, far too into Olympic curling.
The round robin stage of both the men’s and women’s tournament wraps up tonight, with sessions 11 and 12 for the women and session 12 for the men. The men need to win their final game, against Great Britain, to be in consideration for a tie-breaker spot. The British will be looking to win to forgo the tie-breaker and ensure a semi-final spot. Team USA’s women’s rink is also in need of winning out in order to make the tie-breaker games. Unfortunately, they’ll be facing off against Sweden and China, both of whom will be looking for a win to lock down their own tie-breaker spots.
Next: 15 things to know and love about curling
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