Get ready for an incredible journey as the Philippines' curling team gears up for their final shot at Olympic glory!
The Road to History
With the Olympic Qualification Event 2025 underway, Alan Frei reflects on the Philippines' remarkable journey. This team has broken barriers and shattered perceptions, and now, they stand on the brink of making history. By December 11, 2025, they could secure an Olympic curling quota, becoming the first team sport representatives from the Philippines at a Winter Games. But here's where it gets controversial... they've never even had a team sport representation at the Winter Olympics before!
The Dream Team
Skip Marc Pfister, Christian Haller, Enrico Pfister, Brayden Carpenter, and Alan Frei are ready to take on the world in Kelowna, Canada. Over the next five days, they'll battle it out with seven other teams for one of the last remaining quota spots for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. It's a full-circle moment for this team, as their journey began in Kelowna at their first World Curling event in 2023. Since then, they've won an Asian Winter Games title and made commitments to their sport, but now, it's all about the present.
A Historic Run
Frei shares that the team is focused on the here and now. They're not thinking about the past or the potential Olympic glory; instead, they're concentrating on each zone and game. It's about believing in themselves and their abilities, and trusting that their hard work will pay off. The Philippines' curling team has inspired a nation, and their story has captured the attention of people worldwide. With snow rarely falling in their country, they've thrust winter sports into the spotlight. Even the President called after their historic win at the Asian Winter Games!
A Personal Transformation
Alan Frei's life has been transformed by this Olympic journey. He shares his story of being an overweight forty-something who decided to change his lifestyle and pursue his Olympic dream. He trained hard, wearing a helmet to protect himself as he raced against time to get ready. Despite facing jokes and skepticism, he stayed focused on his goal. Frei's journey has inspired others, including a women's curling team with Filipino heritage, who are now ambitious about their Olympic aspirations.
A Team of Dreamers
Frei hopes that their journey, regardless of the outcome, will encourage others to follow their dreams. He believes that the key to turning dreams into reality is planning. The team's mantra has been to believe and take action. They've faced challenges, including Marc Pfister's battle with cancer, but their determination has kept them going. Now, as they approach their final challenge, they're all in. Frei says, "The challenge is to put real realism aside. Now it's all about believing. We are the underdogs, but we're ready to take on the world."
Will the Philippines' curling team write their names in Olympic history? Stay tuned to find out!
