Matt Hamilton of the United States features at the curling man's bronze medal game against Canada at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb.18, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Despite missing the podium at Beijing 2022, American curler Matt Hamilton, with his unique "Mario" style mustache, has won hearts with his efforts to raise fund for brain cancer research.
by sportswriter Ma Sijia
BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Matt Hamilton looked a little different from how he did at PyeongChang 2018, when he topped the podium with a "Super Mario" style.
With his iconic baseball cap and colorful sneakers, the mustache-wearing American curler brought something new when he appeared at Beijing 2022 - the "Mario" had long curly hair.
"I'm going to cut it and donate it to a children's wig foundation. And I'm trying to raise some money with one of the charities I'm working with, an awesome non-profit out of New York that is doing brain cancer research," he explained.
An excellent second player, Hamilton has won some fans in China, where curling is still a minority game, for his cool looks, encouraging shouts on the sheet and warm heart.
"Actually, after the last Olympics when I got popular because of the mustache, that's when I decided I had to do something," said the 33-year-old.
"I have this great opportunity with curling being in the spotlight. I just wanted to give something back because I have [received] so much from this sport."
Matt Hamilton (C) of the United States curls the stone during the man's bronze medal game of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb.18, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
As for the reason why it's for people with brain cancer, he replied: "At first it was just because it [the foundation] was called 'Stache Strong' and I had a mustache."
"About three or four months after the last Olympics, my uncle was diagnosed with GMB, which is a brain cancer. He actually passed away on Valentine's Day," he said. "It gives me even more reason to be a big supporter and try to raise some money."
Before their bronze medal game with Brad Gushue-skipped Canada, Hamilton said on social media that he was so thankful to see over 10,000 U.S. dollars had been raised for brain cancer research.
Hamilton turned 33 on Saturday. After losing the bronze medal game on Friday, he posted on social media a photo of him hugging Gushue tightly with big smile on his face, and sincerely congratulated Gushue since he knew how hard it was for the Canadian to stand on the Olympic podium for the second time.
"I still love my team and I love curling. That is what I am taking away. Curling is bigger than medals and accolades," said Hamilton.
"It's about the friendships you build with your teammates. I know it sounds cliche, it would have been great to win a medal, but these guys are still my boys," he added.
John Landsteiner and Matt Hamilton (R) of the United States compete in the men's curling round robin session against Sweden at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb. 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)
His sister Rebecca Hamilton also played at Beijing 2022. Although the American women's team failed to reach the semifinals, Matt is proud of Rebecca. "My sister is my best friend. I kind of got her into curling. It was a real honor to be here with my sister and compete with her. It's been a lot of fun."
He is also favored by journalists for his kindness and humor.
Asked what he said to the third Christopher Plys in the round robin against Denmark, Hamilton laughed out loudly and said: "He cleaned up after my messes and that's what my wife does, so I was talking about getting a second marriage going."
He joked that skip John Shuster, a five-time Olympian, was "a freak." "He's an awesome dude and a great teammate. I am lucky to be on his team."
Despite returning home with no birthday present, Hamilton remained upbeat.
"The friendships I've cultivated through curling is another big reason that I wanted to continue to compete, so I could go around and see all my buddies again." ■
