Australia has never qualified athletes in curling previously, but the 6-5 victory over Korea in the Netherlands overnight has created Australian Winter Olympic history.

AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says the pair has written a new chapter for the sport.

“The AOC congratulates the Australian Curling Federation on having their first athletes qualify to represent Australia at the Winter Olympics. This wasn’t an easy path, but Tahli and Dean have shown outstanding form in this qualifying event with an unbeaten run. Their last match went down to the wire but they got there.

“The beauty of the Olympic Games is there is a sport for everyone and now we will see young Australians on the world stage in February in a sport many Australians will watch for the first time.

“While formal selection in the Australian Olympic Team is yet to come, securing this quota spot for Beijing is a great moment. You have to be excited for the sport of curling in Australia today, “Mr Carroll concluded.

President of the Australian Curling Federation Kim Forge says Dean and Tahli’s success didn’t simply happen overnight.

“This has come from years of grit and determination – and importantly, a plan. Their coach John Morris is a reigning Olympic champion from Canada. They have come into the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia program with additional support from the AIS, Queensland Academy of Sports and the Victorian Institute of Sport.

“Each has a family history in the sport. They have had their successes and setbacks along the way, but playing for a bronze medal against the United States at the 2019 World Cup created this momentum. Dean and Tahli have attended every event, every camp to advance their situation.

“In truth, we were thinking the next Olympic cycle, but this is a Christmas present come early.  There were 65 countries competing for ten spots in Beijing. We are very proud of them both,” Ms Forge concluded.

The pair won all seven matches in the qualifying tournament being held in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.