CURLING : WCF 50th Anniversary Video PART 2 HD

PART 2: The 90s were a key decade for curling, as a sport, and the WCF. The profile and professionalism of the sport continued to grow with the introduction of the Season of Champions. Countries and teams were keen to prove themselves ahead of the Nagano Olympic Winter Games in 1998. For the first time since 1924, curling was back as an Olympic medal sport. Television coverage meant a chance to get curling in front of a different and wider audience and there was renewed interest in the sport. In Japan, it was the women’s team from Canada that brought home gold and, for the Men, team Switzerland made history. These were the first curling Olympic gold medals in more than 70 years. More countries were joining the WCF. The image of the game was changing and those who played the game at the top level were getting fitter and more professional. Curling was becoming cool – the sport even made it to the big screen. Changes to benefit the game included the introduction of electronic stone handles, there were improvements too in ice making and ice maintenance and officiating at WCF events. A partnership with Curling stone manufacturer Kays of Scotland ensured access to the best curling granite from the island of Ailsa Craig. The first World Wheelchair Championship was held in Switzerland in 2002, with the home team winning the title. Scotland would go on to win the subsequent two World Championships. It was also included in the Torino Paralympic Winter Games in 2006. Following on from the success of the Mixed Doubles at the Continental Cup of Curling – it was decided to hold a World Mixed Doubles Championship – Switzerland won the first two in 2008 and 2009. Also in 2009, there was a new country on the world Championship rota and a new name on the trophy. In Korea, Bingyu Wang’s Chinese team defeated favourites Sweden to win the women’s crown. Anette Norberg of Sweden is regarded as one of the most successful curlers in history. She won gold at the Torino Olympic games in 2006 and then successfully defended the title in Vancouver. In all, she claimed 3 world championships and 7 European gold medals – her last one in 2011. In 2010 The WCF appointed its first female President, Kate Caithness of Scotland. The women’s game generally was growing stronger and stronger year on year, not just in terms of numbers but also in style of play. The World Curling Federation began with 7 countries. The current membership stands at 54 as more nations join the ever expanding world curling family. The WCF and Curling has come a long way in 50 years – the journey continues…