Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – In a gesture of remembrance and a boost for team morale, Norway’s men’s curling team brought back their iconic, colorful pants during Tuesday’s round-robin match against Sweden at the , 2026, Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The return of the vibrant attire, absent from their previous matches in Italy, is a tribute to the late Thomas Ulsrud, a celebrated figure in Norwegian curling.
The decision to reinstate the pants comes amidst a period of controversy within the curling world at these Games, with questions raised about potential rule violations related to stone manipulation. The Norwegian team’s return to their signature style appears to be a deliberate attempt to inject positivity into the sport and refocus attention on the game itself. As one observer noted on social media, it’s “glorious.”
Ulsrud, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 50, was instrumental in popularizing the colorful pants during his own Olympic career. His team first debuted the eye-catching look at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, after a last-minute scramble to find suitable attire when their official team uniforms didn’t arrive on time. Team member Christoffer Svae ordered red, white, and blue Loudmouth pants to match the Norwegian flag, and the look quickly became a trademark.
The pants weren’t merely a fashion statement; they became synonymous with Ulsrud’s team’s success, culminating in a silver medal in Vancouver. They continued to wear the distinctive pants in subsequent Olympic appearances, solidifying their place in curling folklore. The current Norwegian team’s choice to honor Ulsrud with the return of the pants is a poignant acknowledgment of his legacy and his impact on the sport.
The timing of the pants’ reappearance is particularly meaningful, given the close relationship between Ulsrud and Swedish skip Niklas Edin. The match against Sweden, carried an added emotional weight. The gesture underscores the camaraderie and respect that exists within the international curling community, even amidst fierce competition.
Norway had been wearing only black pants in the early stages of the tournament, leading fans to question whether the colorful tradition had been abandoned. The team’s 4-2 record in preliminary round play entering Tuesday’s match suggested they were performing well regardless of their attire, but the return of the pants clearly signals a desire to embrace their heritage and connect with fans.
The pants themselves are a red, white, and blue argyle pattern, paying direct homage to Ulsrud’s original design. The Norwegian team’s decision has been widely praised by curling enthusiasts, who see it as a welcome injection of fun and spirit into the Games. It’s a reminder that, even at the highest level of competition, there’s room for personality and celebration.
Beyond the symbolic gesture, Norway’s performance remains crucial to their Olympic aspirations. A strong showing in the remaining preliminary round matches could secure their place in the Olympic semifinal and a chance to compete for a medal. However, as the team themselves seem to recognize, the return of the pants has already been a victory – a much-needed reason to smile for the sport of curling.
The story of the pants even extends to a gift given to the Norwegian monarch, King Harald V, who received a pair as a token of appreciation for the team’s dedication and success. This further illustrates the cultural significance of the pants and their connection to the nation’s pride.
While the controversy surrounding potential double-touching continues to cast a shadow over the curling competition, Norway’s decision to bring back the pants represents a positive step towards restoring the sport’s image and reminding fans of the joy and camaraderie that lie at its heart. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Thomas Ulsrud and a celebration of the spirit of the Olympic Games.
