Just eighteen months ago, the future of Team USA curling looked uncertain when their skipper, Danny Casper, began battling a severe autoimmune condition. Guillain-Barré Syndrome left Casper struggling with basic daily tasks, and the prospect of sliding a heavy 44-pound granite stone down the ice seemed nearly impossible during his recovery.
A Desperate Search Leads to an Unlikely Hero
The team urgently needed a reliable backup—someone with experience, leadership qualities, and tactical sharpness. What they discovered, however, surpassed all expectations: a 54-year-old lawyer from Minnesota who had quietly retired from elite curling after repeated Olympic Trials disappointments.
Rich Ruohonen had planned to slow down and focus on senior curling events, leaving his Olympic dreams behind. That all changed when he received an unexpected call from Team Casper. What began as a temporary favor soon transformed into a remarkable second chance at Olympic glory.
From Emergency Backup to Olympic Teammate
Ruohonen joined the squad while Casper recovered, initially in a short-term capacity. He quickly proved his worth, seamlessly integrating with teammates half his age and impressing everyone with his calm, steady leadership. His performance was so impactful that even after Casper regained his strength, the team unanimously asked Ruohonen to stay on as their fifth player.
This winter, that decision yielded historic results. Team Casper secured their spot at the 2026 Winter Olympics by winning a tense U.S. Trials final, followed by a dominant performance at a last-chance qualification event weeks later. For Ruohonen, this victory ended more than two decades of Olympic near-misses and heartbreak.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Ruohonen described the experience as "unreal and deeply rewarding," especially after believing his competitive curling career had concluded.
Making History as the Oldest American Winter Olympian
If he takes the ice in Cortina, Ruohonen could become the oldest American athlete ever to compete at a Winter Olympics. While his primary wish is for the team to stay healthy and achieve victory, he admitted he would "love to throw a rock or two" during the Games.
A Lifetime Dedication to Curling
Ruohonen's journey began decades ago when he learned curling from his father as a child. By his teenage years, he had become an elite junior curler. Even while building a successful legal career, he maintained his passion for the sport, training before sunrise and carefully saving vacation time for tournaments.
Success arrived later for Ruohonen compared to many athletes. He captured U.S. national titles but also endured painful setbacks, including a particularly heartbreaking loss at the 2022 Olympic Trials. Those defeats convinced him that his Olympic aspirations were finished, and he believed no team would want a curler in his fifties.
Proving Age Is Just a Number
Fate, however, had other plans. Danny Casper later praised Ruohonen's exceptional game-calling ability, vast experience, and strategic intelligence, noting that the entire team was excited to learn from him.
Today, Ruohonen brings not only strategy but also humor and unity to the group. He jokes about being the team's "old guy," while his younger teammates playfully tease him about his age. According to Ruohonen, this friendly banter demonstrates their strong bond and camaraderie.
Whether he plays extensive minutes or not, Rich Ruohonen's presence has already made this Olympic journey unforgettable for Team USA curling—a testament to perseverance, unexpected opportunities, and the timeless pursuit of athletic dreams.
