Steve Emt: From Tragedy to Triumph in Wheelchair Curling

Steve Emt's life took a dramatic turn following a serious car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 25. Just days after the accident, he awoke in a hospital room where a doctor delivered the devastating news: "You will never walk again." This moment marked the beginning of a challenging journey for Emt, who had previously played basketball at the University of Connecticut. During his recovery, he was introduced to wheelchair sports, which reignited his passion for athletics.

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In 2013, while on vacation in Cape Cod, Emt encountered Tony Colacchio, a coach for the U.S. Paralympic curling team. Colacchio recognized Emt's potential and encouraged him to try curling, claiming he could make him an Olympian within a year. Intrigued, Emt researched the sport and quickly fell in love with it after his first experience at the Cape Cod Curling Club. He dedicated himself to the sport, traveling every weekend to practice, and soon made the national team by 2014.

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Emt made his Paralympic debut in 2018, where the American team finished in last place. However, he was determined to improve, and at the 2022 Paralympics, Emt and his team achieved a fifth-place finish. Now, at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Emt is competing in the newly introduced mixed doubles event alongside partner Laura Dwyer. They began their campaign with a victory over Latvia, but have faced mixed results, currently holding a 2-3 record as they approach the semifinals.

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Jim Calhoun, Emt's former coach at UConn, praised Emt's resilience, stating, "When things don't always go your way, it takes more than the average person to overcome it." He emphasized Emt's ability to inspire his teammates, many of whom have faced similar challenges. Dwyer also expressed her appreciation for their partnership, highlighting the trust and respect they share as they navigate the new dynamics of the two-person event.

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While Emt's journey has been largely inspirational, some critics argue that the focus on individual athletes in mixed doubles may overshadow the team aspect traditionally associated with curling. This shift could lead to differing opinions on the sport's evolution within the Paralympic framework.

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• "When someone first mentioned to me [in the hospital] the Paralympics, I said, 'What's the Paralympics?'" — Steve Emt

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• "Six minutes to live... Because of a stupid, stupid decision to get behind the wheel." — Steve Emt

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• "I don't know what the word is, but why was I there that day [on the Cape]? Why was he there that day?" — Steve Emt

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• "It's definitely different just having two... We carry each other through a lot of trust." — Laura Dwyer

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As the 2026 Paralympic Games progress, Emt and Dwyer aim to secure a place in the semifinals, with their performance in the upcoming matches crucial for their medal aspirations. Emt continues to share his story as a motivational speaker, inspiring others with his journey of resilience and determination.

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