The Hewitt family: “curling binds us together”

“The Curling Family”. It’s a well-known phrase, used to describe the feeling of fellowship of those involved in the sport — be that as an athlete, official, coach, volunteer or supporter.

Around the world, there are many real families that have been and are involved in curling. The Schwallers from Switzerland come to mind, as do the McMillans from Scotland or the Kapps from Germany.

And here in Geneva, you can add another family name to that list: the Hewitts of Australia.

Three members of that family are competing in Geneva. Mum Lynn is third in the Australian women’s senior team, dad Steve is second in the Australian men’s senior team, and son Dean is one half of the Australian mixed doubles team.

And to add to the family presence in Switzerland, daughter Lauren and grand-daughter Ellie have travelled to support from the stands. Arguably these two have the busiest schedule of the week, with three competitions to keep an eye on.

Where it all began

So how did this Hewitt family journey start?

Mum Lynn explained, “I’m originally Canadian, from Winnipeg, and I moved to Melbourne forty years ago. I used to curl competitively in Canada.”

“I met my husband (Steve) on a Kon-tiki cruise, and later we learned that there was an open curling night in a small ice rink in Melbourne, so we decided to give it a go.”

Lynn Hewitt with her team at the opening ceremony © World Curling / James Roberts

Meanwhile, dad Steve said, “I didn’t have any idea that curling existed. I was a pretty good cricketer, played at a high level, so that was my go-to. Then curling came along, and it went from there.”

Little did Lynn or Steve know — as a direct result of that come-and-try night — how much curling would be entwined in their lives.

Steve Hewitt at the ACE & Company World Seniors 2026 © World Curling / James Roberts

One game, three generations

From that standing start, Steve has played in eight world championships (the most recent being 2008), seven Pacific Asia championships, one Olympic exhibition event (Albertville in 1992) and now, four world senior championships.

And Lynn has certainly held her own. She partnered son Dean in two World Mixed Doubles Championships and has competed in seven Pacific Asia championships, while this is her second appearance at the World Senior Championships.

Meanwhile son Dean has been pursuing an elite curling career in a truly dedicated fashion, along with mixed doubles partner Tahli Gill, who, it won’t come as a surprise to learn, is treated just as a family member, particularly by besotted grand-daughter Ellie.

Dean and Tahli at ACE & Company World Mixed Doubles 2026 © World Curling / James Roberts

This is a ninth World Mixed Doubles campaign for Dean, with his best performance so far being bronze in 2025. And the one Olympic participation that Dean and Tahli have had so far — in 2022 — was disrupted by the pandemic.

Dean said, “I’ve been surrounded by curling my whole life. From long drives to get to play on terrible ice to now, where we’re in a good situation that allows us to be overseas for seven or eight months at a time. Now, we get to compete against the best.”

Dean at the ACE & Company World Mixed Doubles 2026 © World Curling / Ansis Ventins

Means more than medals

Each member of the Hewitt family knows that curling has meant a lot to their family, as well as given them a lot.

Lynn said, “Curling has just been something that binds us together. Even though Lauren doesn’t curl, she’s been a great support.”

And Steve speaks for them all when he said, “A lot of it is the community feel, that family type of thing, and being able to get together with family and friends.”

All the Australian athletes competing in Geneva + supporters © World Curling / James Roberts

All ACE & Company World Mixed Doubles games will be broadcast on the Curling Channel, however, there may be restrictions due to broadcast partner agreements.

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