In a candid and surprising revelation, Brad Gushue, one of Canada’s most decorated curlers, has opened up about what he calls “the mistake of his life” — not signing up with Canada Curling at a crucial point in his career. In a heartfelt interview, Gushue shared his perspective on why this decision has become one of his biggest regrets, providing an honest reflection on his remarkable career.
A Surprising Admission from a Canadian Icon
As the skip of the Gushue rink, Brad has long been a symbol of Canadian excellence in the sport. His impressive resume includes an Olympic gold medal, numerous Brier titles, and world championship victories. Despite these accolades, Gushue revealed that he once passed up the opportunity to make a key commitment to Canada Curling, a move he now calls “unbelievable.”
While many fans assumed Gushue had always fully embraced his national role, his recent comments suggest otherwise. “It was a time when I had the chance to fully invest in the national program, but for reasons I can’t quite explain, I hesitated,” Gushue said. “Looking back, it’s the one decision in my career I would change. It wasn’t just about the competition — it was about being part of something bigger, and I missed that.”
### The Impact of the Missed Opportunity
According to Gushue, the implications of not signing with Canada Curling at that pivotal moment have been far-reaching. “It’s not that I haven’t had success — I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved with my team. But there’s a certain camaraderie, a certain national pride, that comes with being fully integrated into the Canada Curling system,” he explained. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to be able to represent your country on the highest stage, and I feel like I missed out on that in a unique way.”
For Gushue, the regret isn’t just about the potential for more titles or medals — it’s about the personal connection to his sport and country. “When you’re a part of that national system, you feel a different kind of support. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about being a part of a legacy. That’s what I feel like I missed out on.”
### Moving Forward
Despite this missed opportunity, Gushue remains committed to his career and is determined to continue excelling. His team remains one of the top rinks in the world, and he continues to inspire the next generation of curlers. “I’ve always said that I’m not done yet. I’ve still got goals, still have things I want to achieve, but this experience has definitely given me a lot to think about.”
As Gushue reflects on the choices he’s made, he encourages young curlers to seize every opportunity and fully commit to the sport they love. “Don’t hesitate like I did. You never know when the chance might come again, and when it’s gone, you’ll always wonder what could have been.”
### Legacy Intact
While his candid admission may have shocked some fans, Brad Gushue’s legacy remains firmly intact. His contributions to Canadian curling are undeniable, and his honesty about his mistakes only adds to his credibility as a leader and role model in the sport.
For now, Gushue continues to aim for greatness while carrying the weight of his past decision, determined to make the most of every moment moving forward. The future may hold more incredible victories, but this moment of reflection will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of his storied career.
