Canada’s Rachel Homan secured a thrilling spot in the gold medal final of the 2025 LGT World Women’s Curling Championship, held in Uijeongbu, South Korea, after a nail-biting 6-5 victory over South Korea's Eunji Gim in the semifinals on Saturday, March 22, 2025. This win, achieved in extra ends, sets the stage for a decisive rematch against Switzerland, as Homan looks to defend her title and make history.
Under intense competition, Homan's team showcased remarkable resilience and strategic prowess. After edging out Scotland's Sophie Jackson 10-4 earlier that day in a qualification match, they entered the semifinals with heightened confidence despite facing an 11-7 loss to Team Gim in round-robin play earlier in the tournament.
During the match against South Korea, the game dynamics shifted numerous times. Homan's squad, which consists of vice-skip Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, lead Sarah Wilkes, alternate Rachelle Brown, and coaches Viktor Kjell and Renée Sonnenberg, had to grapple with fluctuating momentum. "We left it all out there," Homan expressed, reflecting on the high-pressure situation. "I’m so proud of the girls — it’s great for Canada.” The team executed a spot-on strategy, maintaining a 91% shot percentage throughout the game, which ultimately secured their victory.
The turning point came late in the match. South Korea's skip, Eunji Gim, attempted a critical double takeout to potentially seal the game for her team but unfortunately overcurled her stone, significantly changing the tide in favor of Canada. Homan did not have to throw her last stone, marking a dramatic end to a tense semifinal.
This final will see Canada face Switzerland on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 3 a.m. ET, a high-stakes rematch that echoes the last championship event, where Team Homan dethroned the Swiss team, led by skip Silvana Tirinzoni, with a final score of 7-5 in Sydney, N.S. As Team Homan gears up for this crucial bout, they aspire to become Canada’s first back-to-back women’s world champions since the iconic Sandra Schmirler team in 1993-94.
Throughout the championship, Homan's rink demonstrated immense skill and determination. They finished round-robin play tied for second place with South Korea, boasting a 10-2 record. The anticipation intensified after South Korea's previous victory against Homan in their round-robin matchup, but the Canadian rink has successfully turned the tables, reclaiming their edge with a commanding performance in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the other semifinal saw Switzerland narrowly defeat China 4-2, setting the stage for what promises to be another dramatic showdown between two curling powerhouses. As curling culture thrives in Thunder Bay, where Team Homan is based, fans are primed for an exhilarating viewing experience, rallying to support their team as they aim for gold.
With vibrant excitement and community spirit, Homan's journey resonates with fans across Canada, emphasizing the depth of local pride in curling. The upcoming final not only represents a chance for redemption and championship glory but also a unifying moment for curling enthusiasts.
As the countdown to the gold medal game begins, Homan's resilience, skillful play, and steadfast team cohesion will undoubtedly be put to the test once more. Mark your calendars and prepare to cheer, Canada — the curling world is watching as Team Homan strives for yet another crown in this storied championship.
