Dual medals for Swiss couple: Paetz, Michel’s Olympic triumph

For Alina Paetz and Sven Michel, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo will be remembered as a family affair of success. The Swiss curling couple each came home with medals, a rare and special achievement for partners competing at the highest level.

Paetz, 35, helped secure a silver medal as the fourth on Silvana Tirinzoni’s women’s team, while Michel, 37, earned bronze with Yannick Schwaller’s men’s squad. Both victories highlighted Switzerland’s strong showing on the ice this week.

“I’m incredibly proud of both of us,” Paetz said. “Our goal was to win a medal for each team, and we managed that. It’s an amazing feeling to share this experience.”

For Michel, watching his partner compete was more stressful than his own games. “The women’s matches were the hardest part for me,” he admitted. “I was so nervous that I almost cried at the end. But knowing she did well made it easier to focus on my own bronze-medal match.”

Despite competing on Valentine’s Day and spending little time together in Cortina, the couple adapted easily to the Olympic routine. “We’re used to this from years on the tour,” Paetz said. “Even if we only see each other briefly each day, we stay in touch constantly.”

Their celebrations will be short-lived, with both teams heading straight into the Swiss Championships next week. Still, the pair are savouring a moment few couples in sport ever experience, both standing on the Olympic podium.

“We can’t wait for some quiet time at home, but for now, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together,” Paetz added.