Curlers balance full-time jobs with Olympics dreams

DULUTH, Minn. — Team USA’s mixed doubles curling team is preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics while continuing to work full-time jobs, illustrating the financial realities many Olympic athletes face.

Olympic curler Korey Dropkin lives in Duluth, Minnesota. Dropkin said he balances curling with his full-time career.

 “I have two full time jobs, one is curling… my other job is a realtor.” He added that moving to Duluth was essential to pursue his Olympic goals. “If I want to pursue my dreams… I need to live in Duluth.”

His mixed doubles partner, Duluth native Cory Thiesse, began curling at age 8, following her parents, both curlers. Thiesse works for a company that conducts mercury testing in wastewater. She said the job allows her the flexibility to compete. 

“I feel grateful that I have a job that pays the bills while I go compete in curling,” Thiesse said.

Both athletes said they have worked toward the Olympic stage since childhood. 

“This is what we’ve been dreaming of since we were little kids,” Thiesse said. 

Dropkin called the qualification experience something he had “been dreaming about for 20 years,” adding that playing for Olympic gold will be “such a cool opportunity.”

Dropkin and Thiesse will compete in the mixed doubles competition beginning Feb. 4.