Known as “chess on ice,” curling sees two teams of four players, led by the “skip,” challenge each other to slide heavy granite stones toward a circular target on the ice, the “house.” An Olympic discipline since 1998, this noble sport boasts a long tradition in Switzerland, with over 200 clubs, 10.000 players, and a rich list of world and Olympic medals.

Janine, how did you get into curling?

"I was born and raised in Zug with my twin sister Helga, a few meters from the ice rink. My father took us to watch the games, and the idea of ​​practicing it immediately intrigued us. We started at 14, we were among the first girls in Switzerland."

The name Oswald is linked to the history of the Curling Club Zug, founded in 1966. What are your fondest memories?

«With Helga we won two Swiss junior titles, participating in the 1990 World Championships in Canada and in the 1992 World Championships in Germany, where we won bronze. Helga also won silver in the 1991 edition in Scotland. Wearing the red and cross jersey It was a great honor. My uncles Werner and Rolf Oswald also competed in two World Championships." 

In 2024, 32 years after her last national title, she returned to win the Swiss championship, this time in the Over 50 category. A great feat!

"It was an unexpected gift. I had started playing again for fun in 2021 in Chiasso: when a friend of mine suggested that I join her Morges team for the national tournament, I accepted immediately. We played very well in the crucial stages of the competition and were even awarded the gold medal. An even more intense emotion than the first title, because it allowed me to play another World Championship."

In Östersund, Sweden, one of the most representative curling nations, Switzerland came close to the podium.

"We beat Sweden in the quarterfinals, but in the bronze medal match we were defeated by Scotland 6-3, who surprised us with a 3-0 partial in the second of the eight "ends". Our team from Morges, which in fact made up the Swiss national team, gave it their all. Now we are focusing on the 2025 national championships, where we will try to defend the title".

What fascinates you about your sport?

"Fair play is a fundamental component of curling, so much so that it has a code of ethics that promotes fair play, honesty and respect for opponents. "The spirit of curling" is also manifested in admitting one's mistakes, facing games fairly and acknowledging with a compliment the winning moves of rivals. Furthermore, the game is distinguished by self-refereeing, which requires participants to have a high level of integrity and sportsmanship. At the end of each game, the winners are required to buy a drink to the losers. This tradition unites the teams in a moment of conviviality, symbolizing the friendship and esteem that transcend competition."

The World Championships in Sweden last April were a memorable experience, held at the same time as the elite mixed doubles championships.

"It was an exciting ten days with my national teammates Daniela Rütschi-Schlegel, Caroline Dryburgh and Corinne Anneler. Unfortunately, Laurence Bidaud had to withdraw at the last minute, but team spirit prevailed in an environment animated by over 350 players. It was great to meet opponents I had already met at the World Championships in '90 and '92."

Her husband, the lawyer Gian Maria Bianchetti, was a great supporter in this Scandinavian expedition.

"Gian Maria was present in Östersund as a fan. He has always supported me, even in my decision to start playing again. I train in Chiasso and participate in several tournaments in Switzerland, and he is never missing. Recently, he started curling, so now we can prepare together."

In addition to sports, you also share the professional field…

«Exactly. I moved to Ticino for work reasons. When my husband opened his law firm in Lugano in 1999, I decided to follow him and make the most of my skills. My role alongside him is mainly administrative, but I also deal with some clients and boards of directors. It's an activity that I enjoy and that stimulates me, because I've always had a strong motivation to commit myself in the professional field».

Another great project began in 1998 with the birth of your firstborn Emanuele, followed by Giancarlo and Giorgia.

"Family is a source of great energy. We are proud of our children, who have practiced various sports, including sailing, basketball, modern dance and even curling. Emanuele is a passionate and busy soccer referee every weekend. And for 12 years our house has been brightened by Buddy, our little dog."

The dreams of a girl from Zug who started traveling thanks to sports have come true…

"I consider myself a happy woman. I have been lucky enough to meet positive people, especially my husband Gian Maria. I smile when I think about the first train trips with Helga: people looked at us with brooms and asked if we cleaned the carriages! At first it was embarrassing, but the victories repaid us for our passion for curling. It is a sport that requires concentration, precision and team spirit. It is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, and offers a unique and engaging experience."

Prince Philip and the “Rebirth” of Janine Bianchetti-Oswald

Prince Philip, who died in 2021 at the age of 99, had a great passion for equestrian sports, especially carriage riding, which he practiced at an international level. During his long life alongside Queen Elizabeth II, with whom he spent 73 years at Buckingham Palace, the Duke of Edinburgh was distinguished by his commitment to promoting other sporting activities.

And it was Prince Philip himself who played a key role in reviving Janine Bianchetti-Oswald's competitive career at a gala evening in Lugano in 2005. "I had the honor of dining next to him during a WWF International event, of which he was president," says the Swiss. "We talked about curling for a long time and the Prince was interested in the results I had achieved with my twin sister Helga."

“It would be great if she could continue with her enthusiasm and talent,” the Duke of Edinburgh told her with a smile. “Those words stuck with me,” confesses Janine, a three-time Swiss champion. “But at the time, I already had three children and my husband had just opened his law firm in Lugano. It wasn’t easy to get back into competitive activity.”

But the desire to return to compete at the highest levels never faded. "My husband Gian Maria and I often remembered that meeting with Prince Philip. And three years ago I decided to start again."

The choice turned out to be a winning one: immediate gold at the Swiss Championships and participation in the 2024 World Championships in Sweden, with an excellent fourth place. "A result that fills me with pride, like the 1992 world bronze in Germany", concludes the champion. "And that, in a certain sense, I also dedicate to Prince Philip, who with his words helped rekindle my passion for curling".