Cheating in the most-polite sport, curling and what is "sledhead?"
Up First from NPR
NPR
4.6 • 59K Ratings
🗓️ 16 February 2026
⏱️ 24 minutes
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This is a special edition of Up First. We have our gold medal team in Italy, and they're here to talk about the big storylines. |
| 0:06.1 | You'll hear about the big names, such as Michaela Schifrin and Jordan Stoles, and all things Team USA. |
| 0:11.9 | I mean, Martinez, and you're listening to an audio sneak peek of a first winner games, a new video podcast from NPR during the Olympics. |
| 0:19.2 | New episodes will post throughout the games at YouTube.com slash NPR. |
| 0:24.1 | Stay with us for a preview of the show. |
| 0:28.3 | The curling cheating scandal that's rocking the Olympics. |
| 0:32.0 | He told them to buzz off, but in stronger words, on live television. |
| 0:35.5 | And this in the world of curling was totally shocking. |
| 0:38.8 | Why this isn't the first time Canada's curling team has been accused of cheating. |
| 0:43.0 | Plus, Olympic organizers on thin ice, they promised a sustainable winter games, |
| 0:47.8 | but did they live up to that pledge? |
| 0:49.8 | NPR's Ruth Sherlock will have that story. |
| 0:52.2 | And have you heard of the term sled head? |
| 0:55.2 | Even a slight impact on the wall could cause the brain to move within the skull. |
| 1:02.3 | Move within the skull. |
| 1:03.6 | And no helmet is going to protect you from that. |
| 1:06.0 | We'll talk about the wrist of the brain athletes face when competing in high-speed sledding events. I'm |
| 1:11.7 | you Martinez, and this is up first Winter Games. This message comes from Alian's travel insurance. |
| 1:25.3 | You've packed your bags, booked your flights, and you're all set for the beach resort vacation of your dreams. Then you see the nightmare weather forecast. You were hoping for hurricane cocktails, not an actual hurricane. Always make sure travel insurance is a part of your packing list. |
| 1:41.3 | Trip cancellation benefits might be your silver lining when all you see is clouds. |
| 1:45.8 | Learn more at Alianz Travel Insurance.com. |
| 1:50.3 | It's Monday, February 16th, and here's what you need to know. |
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