England’s Andy McGlynn still sweeping strong at 83

At 83 years of age, Andy McGlynn, playing for England, is the oldest competitor ever at the ACE & Company World Senior Curling Championships 2026. But two minutes in his company talking curling makes it plain that he’s arguably the most enthusiastic competitor too.

“I just live for curling,” he said.

“It’s absolute bliss. I just enjoy the atmosphere, being around folk and just being here. Everything here is a bonus.”

A lifetime drawn to the ice

Born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, Andy is undoubtedly English, but when he was three or four his family moved to Dundee, Scotland. Later, in 1972, as a teacher of Physical Education, he moved to Forfar and that’s where his love affair with curling started.

He explained, “I started curling when I came down to Forfar. The principal teacher of science at Forfar Academy nailed me when I walked into the school and said, ‘You like curling’, and that was that.”

After his teaching career, Andy worked for 17 years at the curling rink in Forfar, and now he said, “I live for curling. I just enjoy it. Wherever it is, whoever it is, I just enjoy meeting people. Sometimes it’s folk I’ve seen two or three years previously at a competition — it’s just great to meet up with folks.”

Andy McGlynn, England at the ACE & Company World Seniors 2026 © World Curling / Ansis Ventins

The English connection

So why is he playing for England, in a team skipped by his son Douglas?

First things first — “I taught Douglas to curl when he was in his teens. He’s spent a lot of time in Canada, so he’s done a power of curling there.”

With their Scottish background, Andy explained why they decided to play for England.

“With my English connection, Douglas obviously qualified.”

And he is also realistic about whether he could play for Scotland.

“The Scottish set-up? Well… I don’t think anyone would look at me at my age, it’s a much younger set-up.”

He also explained how a medical issue with an existing team member led him to joining the team.

“I went to Fredericton last year as a supporter. With the situation, the guys asked if I’d like to come into the team and here I am.”

Team England at the ACE & Company World Senior Curling Championships 2026 © World Curling / Ansis Ventins

Proof curling is for everyone

And Andy does not get an easy ride in the team. He plays lead stones, performs full sweeping duties and then holds the broom for skip stones.

So, at 83, does Andy have a message for any other older players feeling sorry for themselves? You bet he has!

“My message is — believe in yourself. Believe that you can do it and keep going… enjoy it. I don’t think I’ll stop curling; I’ll just keep going. I thoroughly enjoy it.”

Andy is not the only evidence of curling being a sport for all — no matter age, ability or physical condition.

Also, the Hungarian senior women’s team includes two players — vice-skip Pinter Zsuzsanna and Kiss Gyulane — who are medically deaf, while this article has been written by a 74-year-old journalist.

It just shows you, curling really is a sport for everyone.