Canada owns the ice in almost every curling discipline, but the World Mixed Doubles gold medal remains a frustrating gap in the trophy case. Since the event started in 2008, Canadian pairs have snagged silvers and bronzes, yet the top step of the podium is a ghost. Kadriana and Colton Lott are back to change that.
The Gimli, Manitoba, duo isn't just another pair thrown together for a week. They’re a married couple with a shared rhythm that’s hard to coach. They’ve dominated the Canadian scene, winning back-to-back national titles in 2024 and 2025. Now, they’re in Geneva, Switzerland, for the 2026 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship with a singular focus: finally bringing home the one medal Canada can’t seem to grab.
The Weight of the Maple Leaf in Geneva
Most people don’t realize how weirdly difficult this specific tournament has been for Canada. We’ve seen legends like Jennifer Jones and Bruce Mouat (well, Scotland's legend) master the four-player game, but mixed doubles is a different beast altogether. It’s faster, the strategy is more aggressive, and one bad end can end a week of work.
The Lotts aren't strangers to this pressure. In 2024, they tore through the round robin with an 8-1 record, looking like the team to beat. Then, the playoffs hit, and they finished fifth. It was a gut punch. But 2026 feels different. Colton is coming off a massive season, having just won the Brier with Matt Dunstone and taking silver at the World Men’s. He’s in peak "big game" form. Kadriana is equally sharp, having anchored their run through the Canadian Mixed Doubles Olympic Trials and the Players' Championship.
What Makes the Lotts Different
It isn't just about the shots they make; it's about how they recover. In mixed doubles, you don't have a front end to bail you out with a massive tick shot or a sweep that drags a rock six feet. It’s just the two of you.
- Chemistry: They’ve been playing together since 2018. They know each other’s tendencies better than any coach ever could.
- Recent Momentum: They arrive in Geneva having just won the Mixed Doubles Players’ Championship. They’re not "getting the rust off"—they’re already mid-season hot.
- Experience: This is their second trip to the Worlds. The "wow" factor of the international stage has worn off, replaced by a business-like approach.
The Road Through Pool B
The path to gold isn't exactly a cakewalk. The Lotts are tucked into Pool B, which is arguably the "Group of Death" this year. They’re facing off against heavyweights like Scotland, Switzerland, and the United States.
The most dangerous hurdle? Italy. Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner are the gold standard right now. They won the 2022 Olympics and are the defending 2025 World Champions. They play a style that is incredibly clinical. To beat them, the Lotts can’t just be good; they have to be perfect with their power play and capitalize on the rare misses the Italians give up.
Why Mixed Doubles Strategy Trips Up Canada
Canada has historically struggled with the "fixed" stones and the lack of a traditional skip-and-lead dynamic. In the four-player game, you have time to develop the end. In mixed doubles, the end is basically decided by the third rock.
Kadriana Lott has become one of the best "last rock" throwers in the country. Her ability to hit a tiny piece of the button under extreme pressure—like she did in the 2025 Canadian final against Nova Scotia—is exactly what Canada has lacked in previous world championships. She doesn't just throw for the win; she plays to dictate the house.
The Mental Game in Switzerland
Colton mentioned on a recent media call that leaning on his experience at the Men’s Worlds helps alleviate the pressure. Honestly, that’s the biggest hurdle. When you wear the Maple Leaf, everyone expects you to win. Anything less than gold is often viewed as a failure back home.
But the Lotts seem to have found a way to block out the noise. They’ve been the "underdogs" in the past despite their talent, and they’ve embraced the grind of the Super Series and provincial play. They’re battle-tested in a way that some of the hand-picked Olympic pairs of the past weren't.
If you’re following the action this week, keep an eye on their efficiency in the middle ends. Most games in Geneva will be won or lost in ends four through six. If the Lotts can maintain their 85%+ shooting percentage from the Canadian nationals, they’ll be in the gold medal game on Saturday.
How to Watch and Support
The round-robin matches are happening throughout the week, with the playoffs starting Friday. You can catch the scores and live updates through the World Curling Federation's platform. Don't expect easy blowouts; at this level, every game is a grind. But if there’s ever a year for Canada to break the curse, 2026 is it.
Follow the draw times closely, as Geneva is six hours ahead of Eastern Time. You're going to need some early morning coffee if you want to see the Lotts make history.
