CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy, Feb 9 (Reuters) - American curler Korey Dropkin’s animated displays of emotion have been electrifying fans throughout the mixed doubles competition at the Milano Cortina Games, with the 30-year-old saying he is just trying to have fun and be true to himself.
On Monday, Dropkin and doubles partner Cory Thiesse beat Olympic and world champions Italy 9-8 in the semi-finals, with Dropkin screaming in excitement, embracing his teammate and waving to fans at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
The victory set up a gold-medal showdown against Sweden and guaranteed the U.S. their first Olympic medal in mixed doubles curling.
Asked about showing his emotions during the tournament, a hoarse Dropkin told reporters: “It’s just me trying to be myself and live my dream, our dream on the ice. You don’t really get these opportunities every day, right? It’s every four years.
“Some people only get the opportunity to dream of it and we’re out there on the ice living it. So for me, win or lose throughout this event, it’s always just been about having fun, being loose, being myself and spinning on the ice, doing those little things, that’s me.
