Norwegian Curlers Honor Legacy with Sartorial Spectacle at Milano Cortina Games
In a vibrant display of sporting tradition and heartfelt remembrance, Norway's men's curling team has brought back their iconic party pants for a special tribute during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The eye-catching trousers, featuring bold red, blue, and white diamond patterns, made a triumphant return to Olympic ice as a homage to the late Thomas Ulsrud and his celebrated 'Team Ulsrud.'
A Fashion Statement Born from Friendship and Fun
The distinctive pants first captured global attention sixteen years ago at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, where Ulsrud's Norwegian rink turned heads with their unconventional style. Originally part of a sponsorship arrangement with sportswear brand Loudmouth Golf, the trousers quickly evolved from mere athletic wear to cultural icons within the curling community.
"When we qualified for the Olympics, it was always in the back of our minds that we should really bring back the pants," revealed Norway's current team skipper, Magnus Ramsfjell. "We reached a compromise to wear them for one game, honoring the entire Ulsrud team and sporting fully Norwegian outfits on the ice. This gesture feels absolutely perfect for everyone involved."
The Enduring Appeal of Curling's Most Famous Trousers
The pants have achieved remarkable cult status over the years, with a dedicated Facebook page titled 'The Norwegian Olympic Curling Team's Pants' amassing an impressive following of more than 360,000 enthusiasts. This digital community continues to celebrate the unique blend of athleticism and personality that the trousers represent.
Reflecting on the pants' enduring popularity, Ramsfjell offered insight into their special appeal. "There's something about curling being inherently a bit silly, combined with people showing up looking intentionally silly," he explained. "I believe it creates perfect synergy that resonates with fans worldwide."
Remembering a Curling Legend
The tribute carries profound emotional weight, honoring Thomas Ulsrud who passed away from cancer in 2022 at age fifty. Ulsrud's teams continued to showcase their distinctive fashion sense at subsequent Olympic Games in 2014 and 2018, establishing a legacy of both sporting excellence and joyful self-expression.
"Thomas was an incredible individual and an extraordinary curler," Ramsfjell shared with evident respect. "His passion for curling is something I hope everyone can carry forward. His energy was simply fantastic—fun, engaging, and matched by his amazing curling skills."
A Fitting Olympic Comeback Against Familiar Rivals
The pants made their symbolic return during a match against Sweden's Niklas Edin, who competed alongside Ulsrud in 2010 and once humorously described the Norwegian team as "four clowns coming up and down the ice." Edin welcomed the tribute with warmth and nostalgia.
"Team Ulsrud were among our closest friends for nearly two decades," Edin recalled. "This new Norwegian team shares that same wonderful spirit—they're genuinely nice personalities. The original team had probably a hundred different pant designs through their sponsorship, each game featuring new trousers with amusing details. They were the only team who could wear such pants and still appear sharp. We always shared good laughs about it, creating fantastic memories with those remarkable athletes."
The return of Norway's party pants represents more than just sporting fashion—it embodies the enduring bonds, joyful spirit, and rich traditions that make the Winter Olympics a celebration of both competition and camaraderie.
