Brad Gushue, the renowned Canadian curler, reflected on the remarkable longevity and consistency of his team’s performance throughout his illustrious career during a recent virtual press conference. Gushue emphasized the challenge of maintaining top-level competitiveness in the sport for over two decades and adapting to the evolving landscape of curling.
In a heartfelt video announcement, the 45-year-old from St. John’s, N.L., revealed that the upcoming 2025-26 season would mark his final year in competitive curling. His decision was driven by a desire to prioritize his family and acknowledge the importance of not missing significant life moments.
Gushue’s impressive curling achievements include Olympic gold at the 2006 Turin Games, a bronze at the 2022 Beijing Games, a world championship title in 2017, and 15 Grand Slam victories. He informed his teammates, including Mark Nichols, Brendan Bottcher, and Geoff Walker, of his retirement plans during a recent training camp.
Despite the emotional nature of his decision, Gushue expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his team and the relief of sharing his retirement plans publicly. Looking ahead to his final season, he is determined to find renewed motivation and excitement for the challenges ahead.
The upcoming season holds significant events for Gushue and his team, with preparations underway for the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax and the subsequent Milan/Cortina Olympics. The team’s journey will commence at the AMJ Masters in London, Ont., as they gear up for a memorable farewell season for the curling legend.
The 2026 Brier, set to take place in St. John’s, will serve as a fitting culmination of Gushue’s storied career, adding to the emotional and celebratory atmosphere surrounding his final competitions.