Curling Girls

Sure, everyone makes fun of curling.

It does sort of seem like Swiffer-sponsored bowling on ice. OK, it's an odd sport. But it has a long history and stylish pedigree. It harks back to the Scottish highlands over 500 years ago when men were decidedly men, but apparently had little to do.

True, those cute little hats with pom-poms on top from the 1950s have been supplanted by blue nail polish and more rugged attire. Although the Norwegians do sport some snazzy trousers!

There are more reasons to watch. It's exciting, and did you know that curling was one of the first sports to be coed? One Wall Streeter compared it to drinking merlot!

Training looks kind of fun—and clearly some yoga poses are being utilized here. And it's not just a sport for the young. There's definitely some Dana Torres-style action going on: Cheryl Bernard, a 43-year-old Canadian business owner, looks pretty fierce in action.

American Tracy Sachtjen, a 41-year-old teacher from Wisconsin, is also a swimmer, community volunteer, and manages to keep up a heavy curling schedule.

And Carolyn Darbyshire, a 46-year-old Canadian office worker, makes her inspiring moves with a corn broom.

Now, I have never curled. But I'm inspired. And I have a special fondness for the sport. My grandfather wrote a book about it. And my grandmother was champion bonspieler. Who knew?

Catch the gold medal game on February 26. Oh, and then there is the Women of Curling calendar. Looks like a rather sexy sport after all.