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Electronic problems in curling stones show how the sport is more than granite and tradition.

Related Topics: Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig, Scotland

For generations, the stones used in Olympic curling events have been forged from granite mined from a quarry on an uninhabited volcanic island off the Scottish coast, employing the same timeworn techniques to hand shape discs that glide across the ice in the world’s most elite competitions.

Well, Olympic officials said on Monday, the stones were having electronic problems.

The obvious question: How is that even possible?

Technological advances have transformed the Games, creating a range of tools that have empowered athletes to improve their performances and spectators to more easily watch and understand the events.