Rich Ruohonen Becomes Oldest U.S. Winter Olympian in Historic Curling Debut

Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old personal injury lawyer from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, made history on February 12, 2026, by becoming the oldest American to compete in the Winter Olympics. This milestone occurred during the U.S. men's curling team's match against Switzerland, where Ruohonen was called in as a late-game substitute. The team was trailing 8-2 when he stepped onto the ice, ultimately helping to score one point before conceding the match with a final score of 8-3.

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Ruohonen's journey to the Olympics has been long and challenging. He began curling in fifth grade and has pursued Olympic aspirations since the 1988 Winter Olympics. Despite competing in five consecutive U.S. Olympic trials from 2006 to 2022 and representing the U.S. at the World Championships in 2008 and 2018, he had never qualified for the Olympic team until now. His inclusion as an alternate for skip Danny Casper, who has Guillain-Barré syndrome, allowed him to finally achieve his Olympic dream.

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Ruohonen's presence on the team has created a unique dynamic, bridging the generational gap between him and his younger teammates, some of whom are nearly 30 years his junior. He has taken on a mentorship role, often referred to as the team's "honorary uncle." His commitment to both curling and his legal career has earned him respect and affection from his teammates, who appreciate his experience and dedication.

Minnesota injury lawyer, 54, becomes oldest U.S. Winter Olympian after curling cameo

After his Olympic debut, Ruohonen expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I would have rather done it when we were up 8-2 instead of down 8-2, but I really appreciate the guys giving me a chance.” His teammate, Danny Casper, highlighted the significance of Ruohonen's moment, saying, “We’re watching a guy do something that he’s worked for and has properly earned.”

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While Ruohonen's achievement has been celebrated, it also comes amidst discussions about the challenges faced by immigrant communities in Minnesota. Ruohonen has voiced his concerns regarding recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the state, emphasizing the need for compassion and respect for all individuals. He stated, “What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. There’s no shades of gray.”

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Following their loss to Switzerland, the U.S. men's curling team is set to compete against Canada, aiming to bounce back in the round-robin stage of the tournament. Ruohonen's historic participation has energized fans and brought attention to the team's resilience and spirit as they continue their Olympic journey.

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• “It's awesome. It's hard to do it in that situation when we're getting beat. I would have rather done it when we were up 8-2 instead of down 8-2. I really appreciate the guys giving me a chance,” — Rich Ruohonen

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• “We're watching a guy do something that he's worked for and has properly earned," the 24-year-old added.” — Danny Casper

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Rich Ruohonen's Olympic debut not only marks a personal achievement but also serves as a reminder that dreams can be realized at any age, inspiring both his teammates and fans alike.

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