Brad Gushue, a veteran skip from St. John’s, N.L., is approaching this year’s men’s world curling championships with a sense of urgency, treating each competition as if it could be his last. Having won the world title in 2017 and lost in the final three times, including the last two years, the 43-year-old is not taking his future in the sport for granted. Gushue recognizes the difficulty of winning a Brier and understands the unpredictability of the sport, emphasizing the importance of making the most of each opportunity that comes his way.
Gushue, along with his rink of Mark Nichols, E.J. Harnden, and Geoff Walker, recently won this year’s Brier with a 9-5 victory over Saskatchewan’s Mike McEwen. This victory marked their sixth Brier win and third consecutive title. The men’s curling championship is set to begin, with 13 teams participating in a round-robin format. The top six teams will advance to the playoffs and semifinals, with the ultimate winner being crowned on April 7th. Gushue is aware of the challenges that come with winning a world title, having faced tough competition in previous finals.
Despite previous setbacks in the world championship finals, Gushue remains optimistic about his team’s chances this year. He acknowledges the importance of performing at their best and capitalizing on any opportunities that come their way. The skip understands the element of luck and timing that is required to win big championships and is focused on putting together a strong performance in this year’s competition. With the last Canadian rink to win the world title, Gushue is determined to make another run at the championship, aiming to bring home the title once again.
The recent win by Rachel Homan at the women’s world curling championship has not added any extra pressure on Gushue’s rink. Instead, it has provided a sense of encouragement and motivation, knowing that success is attainable at the world stage. Gushue recognizes the challenges that come with competing at the highest level and is prepared to face tough competition. Having learned from past experiences, Gushue and his team are better equipped to handle the demands of the world championship and are ready to give it their all on the ice.
The level of competition at the upcoming world championship is expected to be intense, with several strong teams vying for the title. Gushue’s rink faces tough competition from top-ranked teams such as Joel Retornaz’s rink from Italy and previous champions like Bruce Mouat and Yannick Schwaller. With a deep field of talented teams, Gushue is aware that every game will be a challenge and that no team can be taken lightly. However, he remains confident in his team’s abilities and is focused on playing their best to secure a spot in the playoffs and a shot at the championship.
As Gushue prepares to open the world championship with games against Lukas Klima of the Czechia and Germany’s Marc Muskatewitz, he is confident in his team’s ability to compete at a high level. The skip recognizes the importance of staying focused, playing to their potential, and seizing the moment when it matters most. With a wealth of experience and a strong team behind him, Gushue is determined to make the most of this year’s championship, knowing that success will come from hard work, preparation, and a bit of luck along the way.
