Canadian Curler Tyler Tardi's Unconventional Olympic Role: Swiffer, Trash Can and Social Media Strategy
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — One morning shortly after Canada's men's curling team arrived at the Cortina athletes' village for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, skip Brad Jacobs awoke to unexpected commotion from the adjacent dorm room.
"I was like, 'What the heck is going on in there?' I sent that in our group message, and he said back, 'lol, I'm done,'" Jacobs recalled.
The Social Media Strategist with a Swiffer
The source of the disturbance was 27-year-old alternate Tyler Tardi, who was creating internet content using a trash can and Swiffer broom. As the youngest athlete on Team Jacobs by a significant margin, Tardi has reluctantly embraced a dual role: backup player and social media influencer.
"I wouldn't say I'm a natural poster," admitted Tardi. "I'm actually an introvert, so it's fairly uncomfortable for me to be blasting on social media non-stop. But I've been saying for the past probably eight years that the sport's gonna struggle to grow if the athletes themselves don't make an effort."
Tardi believes curling's future depends on athletes taking initiative beyond traditional exposure methods. "It can't just be more TV time and hoping more people fill up in the crowds. The athletes have got to do something about it," he emphasized.
From Graphic Designer to Olympic Alternate
The British Columbia native recently relocated to Calgary to join Kevin Koe's rink and brings professional skills as a graphic designer and video editor to the Olympic team. After serving as fifth for Team Jacobs during their bronze medal performance at the 2025 world championships, Tardi earned his Olympic spot through both skill and personality considerations.
Marc Kennedy, the team's 44-year-old second and Tardi's Cortina roommate, explained the selection criteria: "You've only got the guy for a couple of weeks. Is it going to be awkward around him? Or is he going to be able to bring some value and bring some personality and have some fun?"
So far, the answer appears resoundingly positive. Team Jacobs began the tournament with consecutive victories over German and American teams while Tardi contributed behind the scenes as the team's "data nerd," tracking rock trajectories and matching stones to specific shots.
Creative Content with Olympic Purpose
Tardi's viral video "Non-curlers impersonating curlers" posted to his TardiParty Instagram account exemplifies his approach. The skit featured him sweeping his dorm floor with a Swiffer while using a trash can as a curling stone navigating around disinfectant wipe obstacles.
Despite his introverted nature, Tardi recognizes the necessity of his unconventional role. "My goal is to stay out of the way and be wanted but unnoticed," he explained regarding his on-ice responsibilities, while simultaneously understanding that off-ice visibility serves the sport's broader interests.
The thirteen-year age gap between Tardi and his teammates' average hasn't hindered integration. Instead, his fresh perspective and digital savvy complement the veteran squad's experience, creating a balanced team dynamic both on and off the ice.
As Canada's curling representatives navigate the Olympic competition, Tardi continues his dual mission: supporting championship aspirations while using every available tool—including Swiffers and trash cans—to ensure curling's growth reaches new audiences in the digital age.
