Norway’s men’s curling team has made a sensation of sorts at the Winter Olympics because of their checkered trousers. Now the clown-like team has proven they deserve respect as well, after beating Switzerland in a semi-final match and securing a spot in Saturday’s final against Canada.
The Norwegians won every match they played except for the very first one, against Canada, and now say they’re motivated for revenge and a gold medal. At the very least they have nailed a silver, Norway’s 19th at the Olympics, after making it into the final with a score of 7-5 over Switzerland.
Thomas Ulsrud, the team’s skip, was jubilant after their latest victory on Thursday, noting that it’s still possible “for four amateurs” to make it to an Olympics and win a medal. He and his teammates have made it clear all along that they’re in Vancouver to have fun, stressing the “Games” part of the Olympic Games.
“This is just fantastic,” Ulsrud told reporters after earlier conceding that it’s been “completely absurd” that their unusual attire has attracted international attention, set a new fashion trend and even sparked laughter and attention from their own monarch, King Harald V.
Canada remained the favoured team on Saturday, but Ulsrud and teammate Christoffer Svae both claimed “we’re absolutely good enough” to win as well. Norway’s men’s curling team won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002, and that team’s skip, Pål Trulsen, “is giving us lots of good tips.”
The final match starts at midnight Norwegian time on Saturday, but millions of Norwegian fans were expected to tune in despite the late hour.
By Views and News staff
