Things are changing in curling. From near despair after three straight losses in the regular season and a dream of a medal about to be shattered, to eight rounds for the title of Olympic champion.
Isabella looked like she had swallowed a bunch of lemons after the 0–9 loss to Norway.
Rasmus's gaze was blank.
All of that happened just a few days ago. Their somewhat unlikely progression ultimately needed help from Norway to reach the semifinals.
Crushed the Scots
Once there, it was as if the siblings had spent years handling rocks, ice and psychological pressure in a way that impressed everyone.
Bruce Mouat and his teammate Jennifer Dodds were crushed in the mixed doubles semifinals.
With one round left, the Scots raised their fists and thanked them for the display.
"It's so incredibly cool to go out and perform like this, like we both do. Everything from how we start the game to how we finish it," said Isabella Wranå after the 9–3 victory.
"Bella and I came into this match really well. We had full control from the start. We also had full control after the fourth round when they pulled the mat (prepared the ice) and we adapted to what was required. We set every centimeter right. That's what was required because they are so talented," said Rasmus Wranå.
He continued:
We put very hard pressure on them, in many rounds. If we do that, we usually miss.
Mouat and Dodds made a series of mistakes in the sixth round. Then Sweden scored a phenomenal 5–0 - and secured an Olympic medal.
"We capitalized on their mistakes and that was what was needed," said Rasmus.
The knife to the throat
What do you think about the change of scene, from three straight losses to the Olympic final?
"We have said that from then on it was a knife to the throat. Apparently that is when we play at our best. That is how we think now, that we have to win. Then we go out and play this well," said Rasmus.
Americans Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse await them in the final in Cortina on Tuesday night. The USA won the thrilling semi-final against Italy 9–8.
"We need to play like we did today. Or even better," said Rasmus Wranå about what it takes to win the gold.
How does it feel to be an Olympic medalist?
"Great fun. Now we are super-charged for the final and really want to take the gold medal. That is really the goal now," said Isabella Wranå.
