54-Year-Old Curler Becomes Oldest US Winter Olympian

Rich Ruohonen makes Olympic debut in loss to Switzerland

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old curler from Minnesota, became the oldest American Winter Olympian when he competed for the U.S. men's curling team in their 8-3 loss to Switzerland on Thursday. Ruohonen, an alternate, was brought in late in the game and made his first shot to applause from American fans. He had tried to qualify for the Olympics for 38 years, narrowly missing out several times in the past.

Why it matters

Ruohonen's achievement is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport of curling over the course of nearly four decades. His story highlights the passion and commitment required to compete at the highest level of winter sports, even at an age when most athletes have long since retired.

The details

Ruohonen, a personal injury lawyer, eclipsed the previous record held by figure skater Joseph Savage, who competed at the 1932 Lake Placid Olympics at age 52. Scott Baird, the U.S. men's curling team alternate in 2006, was also 54 but did not play. Despite the loss, Ruohonen's teammates were thrilled to give him the opportunity to fulfill his Olympic dream.

  • Ruohonen first tried to qualify for the Olympics in 1988 when curling was a trial sport.
  • Over the past 25 years, Ruohonen has narrowly missed making the Olympics numerous times, including four years ago in mixed doubles.
  • Ruohonen made his Olympic debut on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Rich Ruohonen

A 54-year-old curler from Minnesota who became the oldest American Winter Olympian when he competed for the U.S. men's curling team.

Danny Casper

The 24-year-old skip of the U.S. men's curling team who brought Ruohonen in to compete late in their 8-3 loss to Switzerland.

Joseph Savage

The previous oldest American Winter Olympian, a figure skater who competed at the 1932 Lake Placid Olympics at age 52.

Scott Baird

The U.S. men's curling team alternate at the 2006 Olympics who was also 54 years old, but did not play.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Reuters)

“It was easy to get him out there. We're not doing him any favors by putting him in. We're watching a guy do something that he's worked for and has properly earned.”

— Danny Casper, Skip, U.S. men's curling team (Reuters)

What’s next

The U.S. men's curling team will continue competing in the Winter Olympics, hoping to improve their performance after the loss to Switzerland.

The takeaway

Ruohonen's story is an inspiring example of perseverance and the power of pursuing one's dreams, even in the face of numerous setbacks over many years. His achievement as the oldest American Winter Olympian demonstrates that age is no barrier to athletic excellence and the realization of lifelong goals.