Joël Retornaz

Joël Thierry Retornaz (born 30 September 1983 in Chêne-Bougeries, Genève, Switzerland) is an Italian curler from Cembra. He was the skip of the Italian men's Olympic curling team in 2006[1] and 2018.

Joël Retornaz
Curler
Born (1983-09-30) 30 September 1983
Chêne-Bougeries, Genève, Switzerland
Team
Curling clubSC Pinerolo, Pinerolo
SkipJoël Retornaz
ThirdAmos Mosaner
SecondSebastiano Arman
LeadSimone Gonin
AlternateAlberto Pimpini
Career
World Championship
appearances		6 (2005, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
European Championship
appearances		12 (2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Olympic
appearances		2 (2006, 2018)
Medal record
Curling
Representing  Italy
European Curling Championships
2018 Tallinn

Retornaz gained sudden notoriety in Italy in occasion of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Despite the fact Italy has no curling tradition, and that the sport is practiced only by some hundred of amateurs, Retornaz led the semi-professional Italian team to a number of unexpected victories against strong national teams like that of Canada.[1] This breakthrough inspired a sudden national curiosity for curling, a previously almost unknown sport for Italians.[2]

Retornaz returned to the Olympics in 2018, skipping the Italians once again, while throwing third rocks. The team finished 9th with a 3-6 record.

Retornaz has represented Italy in six World Curling Championships, in 2005, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019, skipping the team in each event except 2005. Their best record was an 7th place finish at the 2019 World Men's Curling Championship.

Retronaz has competed for Italy in 11 European Curling Championships (as of 2018), finally winning a bronze medal in his 11th try in 2018, skipping the rink of Amos Mosaner, Sebastiano Arman, Simone Gonin and Fabio Ribotta.

Personal life

In addition to curling, Retornaz breeds and races quarter horses. He is employed as a businessman.[3]

References
  1. "Joel Retornaz Biography and Olympic Results". Archived from the original on 2020-04-18.
  2. "Gli azzurri del curling e lo spot in TV".
  3. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-04-03. Retrieved 2015-04-02.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)


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