South Korean curling team ward off more seasoned rivals (The Guardian)

The five women have become internet sensations with their unlikely progression to Winter Olympic semi-finals in Pyeongchang

In name only are the Garlic Girls about food. There’s Yogurt, Pancake, Steak, Cookie and Sunny – as in eggs sunny side up. But they are not the next K-pop sensation: they are the South Korean women’s curling team.

The five women – collectively known as the Garlic Girls, after their garlic-producing hometown – have become internet sensations after a winning streak that has put them within striking distance of a medal at the Winter Olympics.

Two are sisters – Kim Yeong-mi and Kim Kyeong-ae – and their team-mates Kim Eun-jung, Kim Seon-yeong and alternate Kim Cho-hi all share the surname that is the most common in the country. Their most recent 11-2 victory over the Olympic athletes from Russia secured their place in the semi-finals.

“They’re very resilient,” said Nina Roth, the US team captain, after losing to South Korea on Tuesday. “They’ve got the home-court advantage.”

They came to Pyeongchang as the clear underdogs, starting the Games ranked eighth in the world, but began play on Wednesday at the top of the pack.

Peter Gallant, a Canadian who coaches the South Korean national team, said they had improved significantly in the past two years.

“They are great, great kids and they just lapped it up,” he told reporters. “They are playing the game smart.

“I hardly take any notes after a game now. It used to be a book-load after every game.”

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