Did you know there's an event at the Arctic Winter Games where athletes from different contingents are brought together to play on the same team? It's mixed doubles curling!
Each team has one female and one male. It's a fast-paced game where the communication and chemistry between teammates is absolutely crucial.
Normally a mixed doubles team would have months, if not years, practicing together, learning their teammate's strengths, weaknesses and how to motivate each other. At Arctic Winter Games, the teams weren't formed until after the female and male four-person team standings were finalized. This meant athletes didn't learn who they would be paired with until less than 24 hours before competition started.
That didn't faze the curlers. At Friday morning's round, these brand new teammates could be seen conferring before each shot, smiling, fist-bumping and supporting each other with just as much enthusiasm and focus as they demonstrated when playing with their regular teams. Talk about promoting the Arctic Winter Games' core values about cultural exchange, sportsmanship and adaptability!