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Duluthians Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin captured the U.S. Olympics Team Trials Mixed Doubles Curling Championship on Sunday in Layfayette, CO, and earned a berth in the 2025 World Championship and the right to represent the United States in Mixed Doubles Curling at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
While this is the second national championship for this team, both Thiesse and Dropkin also won Mixed Doubles Nationals titles with other partners before joining forces in 2023. Thiesse partnered with John Shuster to win the championship in 2019, while Dropkin won with Sarah Anderson in 2015 and 2018.
Thiesse and Dropkin will now head to Fredericton, NB, Canada, to represent the United States at the 2025 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship at Willie O’Ree Place. Twenty teams from around the world will compete for both the world title and berths for their countries in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Thiesse and Dropkin will look to repeat the success they had in 2023, when they captured the world championship at the Gangneung Curling Centre in Gangneung, Korea.
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The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will have a new starting location this year due to unseasonably warm temperatures impacting the original start site. The race, originally set to begin at Billy’s in Duluth, will now kick off in Two Harbors at the first Check Point in the Race, ensuring a safe and competitive trail for mushers and their teams.
"Weather always plays a role in sled dog racing, and unfortunately, the recent warm temperatures have made conditions at our original start line unsuitable for the race, there is virtually no snow as of right now," said Mike Keyport, President of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. "While we’re disappointed to move from our traditional start, we’re grateful for the support of Two Harbors and our dedicated volunteers who make this race possible. Our team has worked hard to ensure the course remains safe and competitive, and we’re looking forward to an exciting race."
The new starting line will be located north of Two Harbors. Spectators and teams can access it by driving up Highway 2 to the North Shore State Trail on Township Road 24. Signage will be in place to help direct traffic, and updated parking information will be available on the race website.
With this last-minute change, volunteers and donations are more important than ever to help make this year’s race a success. Whether assisting at the start line, working checkpoints, or supporting mushers, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Donations also help cover critical race expenses, including trail grooming and safety measures.
"If you’ve ever thought about being a part of the Beargrease, now is the perfect time to jump in and help," said Keyport. "It takes an incredible team to put on a race of this scale, and we truly couldn’t do it without our volunteers and generous supporters."
TODAY'S EVENTS
Prep Girls Basketball (Playoffs)
Section 7AA Opening Round (Bracket)
No. 14 Staples-Motley at No. 3 Duluth Marshall
No. 15 Hinckley-Finlayson at No. 2 Proctor
No. 16 Greenway at No. 1 Crosby-Ironton
No. 19 Two Harbors at No. 8 Esko
No. 12 Pierz at No. 5 Mesabi East
No. 11 International Falls at No. 6 Barnum
Prep Boys Basketball (Regular Season)
Superior at Duluth Denfeld
South Ridge at Carlton-Wrenshall
Hibbing at Bemidji
Crosby-Ironton at Moose Lake-Willow River
Duluth East at Grand Rapids
Two Harbors at Cook County
Ely at North Woods
Mountain Iron-Buhl at Deer River
Barnum at Pine City
Chisago Lakes at Becker
Cloquet at Rock Ridge
