OGDEN ? Ann Swisshelm lost her job to come to the Olympics. She was fired.
The lead for the U.S. women's curling team ? now assured a spot in Olympic medal rounds ? asked for time off after her team won the U.S. Olympic Trials held here in December. She was number one in sales and marketing for Mack Chicago Corp. in Chicago, Ill., for the past six years and the only woman in her position. She had 10 years of experience.
Now the Olympian is unemployed.
"I guess I was incredulous. I couldn't believe it happened," said Swisshelm Monday morning after Team USA defeated Norway 11-2, vaulting them into semifinals on Wednesday. Speaking of her former employers, she added, "They missed out on an opportunity."
What company wouldn't want an Olympian and possible medal winner selling their products? Swisshelm said when given the choice of the Olympics or her job, she spent "zero" time making up her mind. "I gotta be here and I gotta live out a dream."
The Americans are, indeed, living out a dream. They've won four straight and seem to be the team to beat, as Canada lost its final draw in round-robin competition Monday morning to Switzerland, 7-6, and Germany beat Great Britain, 7-5. In evening women's competition, Switzerland downed Germany 10-4 to secure second-place in final standings. Sweden beat Russia 9-6; and Japan edged Denmark 6-5.
In the game between Team USA and Team Norway, the Americans stole three in the fourth end to take a commanding 6-1 lead. "We played tough," U.S. skip Kari Erickson said. "It paid off. That was a boost to get a lead early."
In Monday afternoon men's play, Norway beat Sweden 9-8, securing second place in final standings going into the semi-finals Wednesday. Canada defeated Denmark 8-3; Great Britain beat Team USA 7-6; and Switzerland pounded Germany 10-4. Advancing to medals rounds are Canada, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.
Tie-breakers will be played today. The women's medals round will be played Thursday; the men's rounds will be Friday.
E-MAIL: julied@desnews.com