Marc Kennedy erupts at Swedish journalist after Canada’s Winter Olympics win
Marc Kennedy erupted at a Swedish journalist following Canada’s tense 8-6 victory over Sweden in the Winter Olympics, reports BritPanorama.
The veteran curler, visibly angered by inquiries regarding his on-ice clash with Oskar Eriksson, challenged the journalist’s motives. “You’ve never seen two guys have a heated argument before?” Kennedy snapped, questioning the journalist’s perspective. “Like, is this a personal conversation? I don’t need to defend myself to a news reporter.”
The 2010 Olympic gold medallist expressed frustration at being labeled a cheat, stating, “I don’t like being accused of cheating after 25 years on tour and four Olympic Games.” This altercation arose from allegations made by Eriksson during the match, accusing Kennedy of violating rules by making contact with his stone after delivering it, potentially affecting ice conditions.
Tensions peaked in the ninth end when Kennedy, wearing a microphone, shouted explicit language at his Swedish opponent, shocking viewers and prompting a public apology from the BBC for his outburst. This confrontation highlighted the rivalry between two accomplished athletes, with Kennedy previously securing gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games and Eriksson being the first curler to win four Olympic medals.
Following the dispute, World Curling issued a statement clearing Kennedy of wrongdoing. Officials were alerted to concerns regarding secondary contact with the stone, and umpires monitored the teams in accordance with protocol. The statement confirmed, “There were no hogline violations or retouches of the stone during the observation.”
International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams stated the IOC was aware of the confrontation but confirmed no complaints regarding the explicit language had been lodged by broadcasters. Canadian lead Ben Hebert characterized the incident as tactical maneuvering from frustrated opponents facing a challenging scoreline: “We’re adults, and we’re playing a sport at the Olympic Games, and things got a little heated. They were frustrated they were losing…so no harm, no foul.”
A reminder, perhaps, that in the high-stakes arena of Olympic competition, even seasoned champions can find themselves tangled in unexpected drama. As the games continue, the blend of rivalry and respect remains a central theme, enriching the narrative of this unique sporting spectacle.
