Matt Hamilton Reflects on Missing 2026 Olympics, Talks Swiffer Partnership

The 2018 Olympic gold medalist curler discusses his career and life changes since his big win.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Matt Hamilton, a curler who won a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics, is disappointed to be missing the 2026 Games after his team lost in the U.S. Olympic trials final in November. However, he's proud of the team that qualified and is grateful for the opportunities his Olympic success has brought, including a partnership with Swiffer that aligns with his sport.

Why it matters

Hamilton's story highlights the ups and downs of an Olympic athlete's career, as well as the lasting impact a gold medal can have on an individual's life and career. His partnership with Swiffer also demonstrates how Olympic success can lead to unique brand collaborations.

The details

Hamilton competes for Team Shuster, which includes John Shuster, a five-time Olympian. When Hamilton and Team Shuster won gold in 2018, they became the first American team to win gold in curling. Hamilton also competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics with Team Shuster, but the team missed out on a medal. Despite missing the 2026 Games, Hamilton says he doesn't feel slighted and is proud of the team that qualified. He's grateful for the opportunities his Olympic success has brought, including a radio show, appearances at the ESPYS, and a partnership with Swiffer that aligns with his sport.

  • Hamilton and Team Shuster won gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
  • Hamilton competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics with Team Shuster.
  • Hamilton's team lost in the U.S. Olympic trials final in November 2025, missing the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The players

Matt Hamilton

A curler who won a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

John Shuster

A five-time Olympian who is part of Team Shuster, which includes Hamilton.

Team Shuster

The curling team that Hamilton competes for, which includes John Shuster.

Swiffer

A brand that has partnered with Hamilton for the Winter Olympics, as the Swiffer products are similar to the equipment used in curling.

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What they’re saying

“It's obviously a bummer. I wish I was competing, without a doubt, but those guys are great dudes. Team Casper that's competing, a bunch of really nice guys, very down to earth, fun, sociable, and they put a lot of time in, like I have, so they've definitely earned this. I don't feel slighted at all.”

— Matt Hamilton (on3.com)

“It's been amazing, from the opportunities with great partnerships like Swiffer to my current job. I'm on ESPN Radio in Madison, Wisconsin. I've got my own radio show. Right after the Olympics, I got to go to the ESPYS. Like I went to the ESPYS and was rubbing shoulders with Alvin Kamara and Mikaela Shiffrin from the Olympics downhill team, and like Trent Dilfer.”

— Matt Hamilton (on3.com)

“It's a match made in heaven. I had so many people send me videos of them like swiffering their floors, saying that they were curling, or people sliding different, various items, and Swiffers were the closest household item that most people had to a curling broom. So this has been a match made in heaven for a long time, and I'm just so thrilled that I got to be the one they chose to help them bring Swiffer and curling together on the forefront. So yeah, it was a great time.”

— Matt Hamilton (on3.com)

The takeaway

Hamilton's story demonstrates the lasting impact an Olympic gold medal can have on an athlete's life, opening up new opportunities and partnerships. Despite missing the 2026 Games, he remains grateful for his success and the chance to share his sport with new audiences through collaborations like the one with Swiffer.