Power outage mars start of Winter Olympics
Curling competitions at the Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo were interrupted due to a power outage. The games have not yet begun, but the first problems have already made themselves known.
Apr 29, 2026 0
An abrupt power failure disrupts the first curling match at the Winter Olympics.
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The 2026 Winter Olympics got off to a not-so-electric start. On Wednesday at the curling stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a power outage forced a halt to the event immediately after the first match began.
Organizers investigate the cause of the electrical outage at the curling venue.
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According to media reports, just four minutes into the match, the lights in the building began to flicker and go out. Action on the ice had to be stopped. Fortunately for spectators, electricity was soon restored and the competitions continued.
Team USA prepares to play on Thursday after the power disruption earlier this week.
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The cause of the outage is not yet known. Organizers on site are working to determine the circumstances.
Curling is far from the first sport to face such issues. One of the most famous power outages in history occurred during an NFL final in 2013 — when the game was suspended for 34 minutes.
Curling competitions started a few days before the official opening ceremony of the Games, which is scheduled for Friday.
Team USA will take to the ice on Thursday, where they will play against teams from Norway and Switzerland in the mixed doubles tournament.
Let us hope the lights stay on without interruption until the very end of the Olympics.
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