A 54-year-old personal injury lawyer from Minnesota becomes the oldest US Winter Olympian

Rich Ruohonen Makes Olympic History as the Oldest Competitor for Team USA

In a thrilling match against Switzerland at the Winter Olympics in Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy, Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old personal injury lawyer from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, made history as the oldest person to compete for the U.S. men’s curling team.

Despite being down 8-2 in the last end of the match, Ruohonen was called in as a substitution and delivered a remarkable shot that garnered praise from his teammates and fans alike.

Since joining the team as an alternate for skip Danny Casper, who battles Guillain-Barre syndrome, Ruohonen has become a mentor and a beloved figure among his younger teammates. Despite juggling a full-time job as a lawyer, Ruohonen’s dedication to the sport is unwavering.

“I get up three days a week at 5 in the morning, leave my house by 5:15 in the morning, go drive 30 miles to work out and train,” Ruohonen shared with the AP. His commitment to both his legal practice and curling training is truly commendable.

Ruohonen’s presence on the team not only brings experience and wisdom but also bridges the gap between generations in the sport of curling. His teammates admire his work ethic and dedication, which have played a significant role in their success.

Despite the age gap, Ruohonen’s camaraderie with his teammates is evident, as they share laughs and inside jokes both on and off the ice. His Olympic moment may have come later in life, but it is a testament to his perseverance and passion for the sport.

As Ruohonen continues to inspire his teammates and fans with his dedication and spirit, he has solidified his place in Olympic history as a true icon of resilience and determination.

For more updates on the Winter Olympics in Cortina D’Ampezzo, visit AP Olympics.