John Dunlop is a fifth generation curler in his family. His great-grandfather, John M. Dunlop, was born in Ayr, Scotland, and his forefathers curled there for many generations. So, John can trace his curling roots back to the country widely recognized as the origin of the sport as we know it today. John's family was involved in the founding of the Wauwatosa and Milwaukee Curling Clubs in Wisconsin.

Given his family history, John said it was very special to play in his first world championship in Glasgow, Scotland, in April 2000. "It was a very memorable experience to know that my ancestors had played the sport of curling in the 1700s and 1800s in Scotland, and that I was able to represent my country playing in the same sport in the same country more than 150 years later," said John.

In his own words: Curling is what I do to make the winter months go by faster while I wait for the warm weather of summer to return.

First curling memories: When I was approximately 3 years old my mom used to take me with her to to the curling club while she curled in the daytime ladies league, and I would play with my toys in the viewing room while she curled.    

Can't live without: Music and caffeine.

Favorites: Watching football and open-wheel racing, and making the perfect freeze.

Other favorite sports: Golf, karate, tennis, football.

Curling mentors: My parents.

Something unique: I am the fifth generation of my family to play the sport of curling, dating back to my ancestors in Scotland.

What I'd like the world to know about curling: The sport of curling takes more skill and athletic ability than you might think.