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Feb 27, 2026
Rich Ruohonen, an American curler and Minnesota personal injury lawyer who represented the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics and is the oldest U.S. Winter Olympian. He tells a Cinderella story of stepping in late for the team, reflects on decades-long pursuit of the Games, and breaks down common misconceptions and the basics of curling in short, lively conversations.
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Cinderella Olympic Substitute Story
- Rich Ruohonen unexpectedly competed in the 2026 Olympics after being subbed in as an alternate when a teammate had medical issues.
- He started Olympic trials as far back as 1988 and finally reached the Games after decades of near-misses and persistence.
Elite Sports Can Extend Into Your 50s
- Ruohonen became the oldest U.S. Winter Olympian, showing elite sport participation can extend into later life.
- He notes it's getting tougher with age and he may transition to more of a coaching role despite still playing.
Decades Of Near Misses Before Finally Making It
- Ruohonen described a long curling career with multiple near-misses, including losing a mixed doubles Olympic berth on the final shot four years earlier.
- He competed in national championships since 1998 and kept trying through fourth-place finishes until finally making the Olympic team.