The Becker family, L-R Scott Becker, Bridget Becker, James Becker, Sean Becker © World Curling / Stephen Fisher

Author

Mike Haggerty

23 October 2025

A Becker family affair: Four siblings represent New Zealand in one championship

For the Becker family, curling isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. Between them, three members of the current generation have already racked up an impressive 21 appearances at World Championships events, plus an Olympic Games, two Pan Continental Curling Championships and various other competitions.

But this week’s US Steel Pan Continental Curling Championships marks the first time that all four Becker siblings will represent their native New Zealand at the same event.

Making his debut

Newbie brother James finally makes his debut at this level. He joins brothers Sean and Scott in the men’s team, while sister Bridget will once again skip the women’s team.

Bridget Becker © World Curling / Stephen Fisher

James admits his absence until now is a stark contrast to the rest of his family: “This is my first international experience, and it’s been really good so far. With the family here, there’s been a lot of joking and a lot of fun.”

So why the long wait? He explained, “I’ve been busy in the last twenty-odd years with kids and running farms. But I’ve decided to do this before I get too old… it’s about bloody time!”

Curling’s in their blood

Curling runs deep in the Becker bloodline. Their father, Peter Becker, is a member of World Curling’s Hall of Fame, recognised for his life-long contributions to the sport both in New Zealand and internationally.

James explained, “We were born and brought up with curling. We’ve a two-sheet outdoor rink in Patearoa at home, so we all learned how to throw stones growing up — curling’s been our life.”

Peter Becker, World Curling Hall of Fame recognition at the LGT World Women’s Curling Championship 2023 © World Curling / Stephen Fisher

Speaking about her dad, sister Bridget said, “This is very special, it’s one of the main reasons I’ve come along. We’d have loved our dad to have been here, but he’s not into travel. He’d have loved to have been here though.”

Sean, the men’s team skip, adds, “A big part of why we’re here is to let James play at this level. The way the New Zealand system goes is that you have first right of refusal if you win the Nationals, and we won this year.”

“We also won a couple of years ago and declined it through commitments. This year we said: ’maybe one last chance now that some of us are touching on seniors’.”

New Zealand curling is thriving

While the Beckers are in Minnesota, the other top New Zealand men’s team – skipped by Anton Hood — is in final preparations for the Olympic Qualification Event in Kelowna in December, chasing their Olympic dream

Sean is quick to show support: “They’re focused on one competition now and we wish them well. Anton’s team are the future of New Zealand curling.”

As for Scott, he summed up the family’s feelings: “It’s really special. We probably wouldn’t have been here if James hadn’t said to have a go.”

He added, smiling, “It might be special having everyone here — but there have already been a couple of arguments though!”