Jess Smith reflects on World Women's Championship

 World Championship

Jess Smith, NZ v Sweden. Photo WCF

31 Mar 2023 – Despite going through the tournament without recording a win, Team NZ finished the recent LGT World Women's Curling Championship in Sandviken, Sweden with their heads held high.

This was the first time New Zealand Women had participated in a World Championship, following their historic qualification at November's Pan Continental Championships in Canada. The November tournament was just their second international outing in the last five years.

There was no shortage of drama or close games for Jess Smith, Holly Thomson, Bridget Becker, Natalie Thurlow, and Ruby Kinney with coach Nelson Ede.

With their inspirational skip Jess Smith unwell for several games, Bridget Becker stepped up to skip the side for half of the tournament. Holly Thompson was also forced to miss a game with injury, meaning the side played three-handed against Denmark.

Despite these setbacks, the team showed that they were worthy contenders at this top level. Although well-beaten in some games, their results included three last-stone losses – two of these coming in an extra end after the scores were level after the regulation eight ends.

Jess Smith reflected on their week in Sandviken.

"If there's anything we can be sure of, it's that nothing went to plan, from injuries to illnesses," she said. "But I want to commend the girls on their efforts and for holding their heads high despite a week of challenges and losses. I'd also like to show my appreciation for Ruby Kinney – it's not easy being an alternate on a team, but she filled her role with an outstanding attitude."

"While we didn't get any wins on the board, we gave teams some good games and made them work hard for theirs. A famous Mr Peter Becker always said to me, right from a young age, that 'you need to learn how to lose before you can learn how to win'. This is something that has stuck with me always, and while it would have been great to win at least one game, we have to remember what it took for us to get there in the first place, and how far we have come in a short amount of time."

"The amount of learning I have taken away from this competition is massive. Not just about strategy, but also what it takes both on and off the ice to be able to get the results we want. Consistency is key and I think that's one of the many things we will be focusing on for the upcoming season."

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to EVERYONE who supported us in getting to the Worlds. From our family, friends, work, those who supported our never-ending fundraising, and of course all the people and businesses who donated to the BoostedSport crowdfunding campaign."

"Also a special mention to those in Scotland who welcomed us into their curling clubs with such open arms, and those who gave us practice games. Without all this help we would never have made it to the Worlds. I'd also like to mention how proud we are of Peter and Bridget on receiving their awards, truly well deserved."

"A big thanks to John Campbell for supporting us in the stands and to Sean Becker for offering us his advice and expertise. Last but not least a massive thank you to Nelson Ede our coach, who was more than just a coach, he was our manager, counsellor, and biggest supporter. We appreciate his commitment to our team."

The Kiwis had plenty to celebrate on the last day of the Championship. Bridget's father and New Zealand curling legend Peter Becker was formally inducted into World Curling's Hall of Fame with an on-ice ceremony during the fifth-end break in the bronze medal match.

Then in the closing ceremony, Bridget Becker was awarded the Frances Brodie Award for best exemplifying the spirit of curling at the LGT World Women's Championship 2023. The recipient of this award is selected by the curlers participating in the event.

Switzerland won the tournament, becoming World Champions for the fourth successive year. Norway won the silver medal, and Canada beat Sweden for the bronze.

 

Final Standings
    1  (14-0)  Switzerland
    2  (9-5)   Norway
    3  (9-6)   Canada
    4  (8-7)   Italy
    5  (7-6)   Sweden
    5  (7-6)   Japan
    7  (6-6)   USA
    8  (6-5)   Türkiye
    9  (5-7)   Korea
  10  (5-7)   Germany
  11  (5-7)   Denmark
  12  (3-9)   Scotland
  13  (0-12)  New Zealand
 

 


Team NZ v Korea. Photo WCF / Jeffrey Au

 


Jess Smith and Holly Thomson, NZ v Sweden. Photo WCF / Stephen Fisher

 

Uncharted territory for NZ Women

17 Mar 2023 – New Zealand is about to make its first-ever appearance at the LGT World Women's Curling Championship, which gets under way in Sandviken, Sweden tomorrow (Saturday).

Jessica Smith, Holly Thompson, Natalie Thurlow, Bridget Becker and Ruby Kinney, with coach Nelson Ede, qualified for the World Championship via November's Pan Continental Championships in Canada - their first international tournament in nearly four years. The side's four wins there, all against teams with a higher world ranking, earned them fifth placing and the final remaining position in the World Championship field.

The team arrived in Sweden yesterday after 10 days acclimatising and training at the Greenacres and Kinross rinks in Scotland.

"The Scots have been so friendly and kind," said skip Jess Smith. "We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to come here as we prepare for the World Champs."

"We couldn’t have done it without the support of our family, our work, and of course our friends and curling family who have supported our fundraisers and donated to NZ Curling's Boosted Sport funding campaign. We have been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity."

They are not fazed by being the outsiders in the 13-team Championship.

"We are a bunch of Kiwi curlers about to take on the best in the World and we are so excited for it! All we can do is have fun and play hard! We are literally living the dream!"New Zealand will play Olympic bronze medallists Sweden in their first game early Sunday morning NZ time. All games will be live-streamed on Recast TV (micropayments apply).
 

Recast TV Schedule (NZ times)

 

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