Minnesota Lawyer Becomes Oldest US Winter Olympian

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old personal injury lawyer from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, made Olympic history by becoming the oldest person to compete for the US at the Winter Olympics. Ruohonen was called in as a substitute during the US men's curling team's match against Switzerland, where they were down 8-2. Despite the score, Ruohonen's teammates celebrated his achievement with a standing ovation from US fans.

Why it matters

Ruohonen's participation as the oldest US Winter Olympian highlights the longevity of the sport of curling, where athletes can compete at a high level well into their 50s. His story also showcases the camaraderie and mentorship between younger and older curlers, as Ruohonen has become a sort of honorary uncle to his much younger teammates.

The details

Ruohonen, a six-time winner of "Minnesota Attorney of the Year", was called in as a substitute for the US men's curling team after their skip, Danny Casper, was unable to compete due to Guillain-Barre syndrome. Despite the US team being down 8-2 against Switzerland, Ruohonen stepped onto the ice and delivered a successful shot, earning cheers from the US fans. Ruohonen has had to balance his full-time law practice with his curling training, waking up at 5am three days a week to train before heading to work.

• On February 13, 2026, Ruohonen competed in the men's curling round-robin match at the Beijing Olympics.
• Ruohonen has been trying to make the US Olympic curling team for several previous Winter Games, but this was his first successful attempt.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The US men's curling team will continue competing in the round-robin matches at the Beijing Olympics, with Ruohonen potentially seeing more playing time as the team's alternate.