54-Year-Old Minnesota Lawyer Becomes Oldest US Winter Olympian

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Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old personal injury lawyer from Minnesota, became the oldest U.S. Winter Olympian when he stepped onto the ice for the U.S. men's curling team during their match against Switzerland. Despite the team being down 8-2, Ruohonen's teammates gave him a chance to compete, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Ruohonen, a six-time winner of 'Minnesota Attorney of the Year', has been serving as an alternate for the younger team members, helping with transportation, waking them up, and providing mentorship, all while maintaining his full-time law practice.

Why it matters

Ruohonen's participation as the oldest U.S. Winter Olympian is a testament to his dedication and perseverance, as well as the support of his younger teammates. His story highlights the intergenerational nature of the sport of curling and the value of experienced mentors in helping develop the next generation of athletes.

The details

Ruohonen, a personal injury lawyer from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, stepped onto the ice during the U.S. men's curling match against Switzerland, which the team was losing 8-2. Despite the score, Ruohonen's teammates gave him the opportunity to compete, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation as the oldest person to represent the U.S. at the Winter Olympics. Ruohonen has been serving as an alternate for the team, helping with transportation, waking them up, and providing mentorship, all while maintaining his full-time law practice.

• The U.S. men's curling match against Switzerland took place on Thursday.
• Ruohonen became the oldest U.S. Winter Olympian during this match.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The U.S. men's curling team will continue to compete in the Winter Olympics, with Ruohonen serving as an alternate and providing mentorship to the younger players.