Kadriana and Colton Lott are fueled by more than just ambition as they prepare for the 2026 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Geneva, Switzerland, running from Saturday through May 2.
Redemption and Atonement
The Manitoba couple seeks redemption after a painful defeat at the same event two years ago, where a single loss in the round robin cost them a playoff spot. Colton also aims to atone for a silver medal at the men's world championship a few weeks prior. Together, they chase Canada's first-ever gold in mixed doubles, a discipline now 19 years old.
"Our last worlds was great," Kadriana said, recalling their fifth-place finish in 2024 in Oestersund, Sweden. "We just lost that one game — the wrong one in our round robin — which put us back a step in the playoffs. We would love to end up on the podium at the end of this week, but we know whatever happens happens. We're ready to give it our all."
Team Canada's Lineup
The Canadian team features the Lotts from Gimli, Man., alongside national coaches Scott Pfeifer and Viktor Kjell. They aim to improve on Canada's record of two silver and two bronze medals since the world mixed doubles debut in 2008.
"I think we're feeling pretty good," said 30-year-old Colton. "We had an event two weekends prior and it was nice to get back together, especially after men's worlds. I think we're in a great headspace going in, feeling good and ready to rock."
Kadriana, 26, added: "We've both been here before, so we know what to expect. We've been to many Canadian national events, which prepares us for this. Going into worlds, it's tougher, but we know what we're capable of."
Competition Field
The championship features 20 teams. Top contenders include Italy's Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner, the reigning world champions with two Olympic medals (gold in 2022, bronze in 2026). Other favorites are 2025 world bronze medalists Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt of Australia, and 2024 world silver medalists Marie Kaldvee and Harri Lill of Estonia.
"There's definitely a lot of different teams — ones that we probably haven't seen too much," Colton said. "But everybody's good at doubles. The games are fast-paced and intense. For us, it's taking it game by game, keeping focus within the group, and putting pressure on others."
