At 54, Team USA Curler Rich Ruohonen Finally Lives His Olympic Dream

After nearly four decades of trying, Team USA curler Rich Ruohonen has finally lived out his Olympic dream.

The 54-year-old Minnesota native became the oldest American to compete in the Winter Games after stepping onto the ice during round-robin play in Cortina d’Ampezzo. His Olympic appearance marks the culmination of a journey that began in 1988, when he first attempted to make the U.S. Olympic curling team — long before his current teammates were even born.

Despite an impressive career that includes national championships and a world title, Ruohonen repeatedly fell short of reaching the Olympics. That changed when Team USA needed depth following health issues that temporarily sidelined a teammate. Ruohonen was named an alternate — a role that did not guarantee he would compete.

But during a game against Switzerland, Ruohonen was given the chance to step onto Olympic ice. He threw two stones, officially securing his place in history. Team USA lost the match, but the moment marked a personal victory decades in the making.

Teammates say his experience and perspective have made him a key presence on the squad, both as a mentor and a competitor. Off the ice, Ruohonen balances elite competition with his career as a personal injury attorney.

For Ruohonen, simply reaching the Olympic stage — after years of near misses and persistence — represents the ultimate reward.

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