In a remarkable and uplifting moment at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina, Italy, American curler Rich Ruohonen etched his name into the record books by becoming the oldest athlete ever to compete for the United States at a Winter Olympics. On February 12, the 54‑year‑old personal injury lawyer and alternate on the U.S. men’s curling team stepped onto the ice during the team’s round‑robin match against Switzerland, marking an extraordinary milestone in U.S. sporting history.
Ruohonen, a partner at a Minnesota law firm and a two‑time U.S. national curling champion, had long harbored Olympic aspirations. After participating in five consecutive U.S. Olympic Trials dating back to 2006, he finally earned a spot on the national team for 2026 as an alternate on the men’s curling squad. Though the United States ultimately lost the match to Switzerland 8‑3, Ruohonen’s appearance came in the final ends of the game and was met with applause and admiration from fans and teammates alike.
A Journey Decades in the Making
Rich Ruohonen’s Olympic debut is the culmination of a lifelong dedication to the sport of curling. Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1971, he began curling as a young boy and steadily climbed the ranks through national and international competition. Prior to Milan‑Cortina, Ruohonen represented the U.S. at the World Men’s Curling Championships in 2008 and 2018, bolstering his reputation as a seasoned competitor.
Balancing a demanding legal career with competitive curling, Ruohonen’s path to the Olympics was unusual by elite sports standards, where athletes typically train full‑time. Instead, he balanced early morning practices and weekend training sessions with his professional responsibilities, a testament to his commitment and passion for the sport.
The previous record for oldest U.S. Winter Olympian was held for nearly a century. Joseph Savage, a figure skater who competed at the 1932 Winter Games in Lake Placid, was 52 when he took part in the competition. Ruohonen’s milestone not only surpasses that longstanding benchmark but also serves as a broader reminder that Olympic dreams can persist well beyond the usual athletic age range.
Significance Beyond the Scoreboard
Ruohonen’s participation carries significance well beyond statistics. For many Americans, his story resonates as a narrative of perseverance, illustrating how dedication to a craft, whether athletic or professional, can yield historic achievements even later in life. In a sport like curling, where teamwork, strategy, precision, and experience are paramount, his presence highlighted the value of wisdom and maturity.
Ruohonen’s story has also sparked interest across the United States, drawing attention to curling as a sport that doesn’t always command mainstream media coverage in the country. With Team USA already making headlines at these Games, such as Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin’s historic silver medal in mixed doubles curling earlier in the Olympics, Ruohonen’s achievement adds another compelling chapter to the narrative of American success in winter sports this year.
Beyond athletic accomplishment, Ruohonen’s journey has personal meaning. He has shared enthusiasm not only about making Olympic history but also about representing his hometown community in Minnesota and inspiring future generations to pursue their goals regardless of age or background. His story exemplifies the Olympic spirit of resilience and dedication.
Broader Olympic Context
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina have showcased a range of memorable performances by U.S. athletes. Team USA has been competitive across multiple disciplines, from speed skating to skiing, reflecting the country’s robust winter sports programs. These Games run through February 22, with athletes from around the globe vying for medals and national pride.
While the curling team’s results have been mixed in the round‑robin stages, the inclusion and celebration of an athlete like Ruohonen enrich the overall narrative of the Games. It reminds audiences that the Olympics are not solely about winning medals but also about the stories that inspire and connect people around the world.
In an era when elite sports often emphasize youth and early specialization, Ruohonen’s historic moment stands out as a refreshing and motivating chapter in U.S. Olympic lore. His participation on February 14, 2026, continues to draw admiration from sports enthusiasts, underscoring that elite athletic achievement can be pursued at any stage of life.
