54-Year-Old Minnesotan Sets Record as Oldest American Olympian

Rich Ruohonen, a personal injury attorney, competed in curling for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old personal injury attorney from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, made Olympic history by becoming the oldest American ever to compete in the Olympics. Ruohonen, who has been curling since his teenage years, earned a spot as an alternate on the U.S. men's curling team and stepped onto the ice during a tough matchup against Switzerland, breaking a record that had stood since the 1932 Winter Games in Lake Placid.

Why it matters

Ruohonen's achievement at the 2026 Winter Olympics serves as an inspiration for anyone who may have doubted their ability to pursue their dreams later in life. His dedication and perseverance, having competed in five separate Olympic Trials over the years, showcase that age is just a number when it comes to athletic accomplishments.

The details

During a lopsided game against Switzerland, Team USA's men's curling squad decided to sub in Ruohonen, an alternate, to finish out the match. Despite the team's 8-3 loss, Ruohonen's appearance on the ice made him the oldest American ever to compete in the Olympics, breaking the previous record held by 52-year-old figure skater Joseph Savage from the 1932 Winter Games.

  • Ruohonen competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
  • The previous record was set by Joseph Savage at the 1932 Winter Games in Lake Placid, New York.

The players

Rich Ruohonen

A 54-year-old personal injury attorney from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, who has been curling since his teenage years and earned a spot as an alternate on the U.S. men's curling team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Joseph Savage

A 52-year-old figure skater who held the previous record as the oldest American to compete in the Olympics, set at the 1932 Winter Games in Lake Placid, New York.

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The takeaway

Rich Ruohonen's achievement at the 2026 Winter Olympics proves that age is no barrier to pursuing one's dreams and making history. His dedication and perseverance, despite falling short of a victory, serve as an inspiration for athletes of all ages to chase their goals and defy expectations.