How do brooms affect stones in curling? Here's what to know as the popular 2026 Winter Olympics competition begins at Milano Cortina Games.

Curling can be one of the most exciting sports, but inherently it looks ridiculous with people sweeping the ice in front of the stone.

There's a broom to sweep on the ice in curling because, simply put, of science. Once the stone is sent toward the other end of the ice, one of the team members can control its path a bit by sweeping.

After a round-robin tournament, the top four countries advance to the semi-finals in Olympic curling. As of Monday night, the U.S. women are in second place and the U.S. men are in third. Both teams take the ice again on Tuesday.

Why does curling become so popular at the Olympics? And how does it even work? Time to actually learn about this popular Winter Olympics sport.

Some call it a "goofy side quest." Others call it an Olympic sport.

What's the house? Do the brooms actually help? Where did this sport even come from? These and more answers to your curling questions.

Here's everything you need to know about curling ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, including the rules, regulations and what to watch for.

Aidan Oldenburg is an American Olympic curler who epitomizes both the professionalization of the sport and a normal guy who also wants to have fun.