About Team USA's Oldest Winter Olympian Ever, Rich Ruohonen

On February 12, a Team USA Olympian made his way into the record books.

American curler Rich Ruohonen is now the oldest United States athlete to ever compete in the Winter Olympics. Ruohonen made history when he entered as a substitute player during Team USA’s preliminary match against Switzerland in the game’s final moments.

Although Team USA lost 8-3, it was a personal win for the 54-year-old Minnesota native, as well as for fans of watching history being made.

Rich Ruohonen is a multi-time U.S. national curling champion

A personal injury lawyer by profession, Ruohonen is also an accomplished curler who has had Olympic aspirations for the better part of two decades.

Since 2006, Ruohonen has been competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials in hopes of being chosen for the U.S. Olympic team. This year, team captain Danny Casper chose him as an alternate and invited him to join Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Ruohonen’s resume is as impressive as it gets. He’s a two-time U.S. national champion and six-time U.S. silver medalist — the only thing missing from his trophy case is an Olympic medal, which could come as soon as next week.

During a February 10 press conference with his teammates, Ruohonen described his feelings about representing his country at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

“We’re playing for the U.S. We’re playing for Team USA. And we’re playing for each other, and we’re playing for our family and our friends that sacrificed so much to be here today. And that doesn’t change anything,” he said. “Because what the Olympics means is excellence, respect, friendship, and we all, I think, exemplify that. And we are playing for the people of Minnesota and the people around the country who share those same values. That compassion, that love and that respect.”

Ruohonen is being cheered on at home by his wife and two children.

When might Rich Ruohonen compete next in the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Team USA’s curling schedule for February 13-15 is listed below. Fans should keep in mind that since he’s technically an alternate, Ruohonen is not guaranteed any playing time during games.

Friday, February 13

3 a.m. ET: USA vs. Canada – USA Network (Re-air)

9 p.m. ET: USA vs. Canada (Re-air) – USA Network

Saturday, February 14

8:05 a.m. ET: USA vs. Germany – Peacock

1 p.m. ET: USA vs. Germany (Re-air) – CNBC

Sunday, February 15

3:05 a.m. ET: USA vs. Sweden – Peacock

11 a.m. ET: USA vs. Sweden (Re-air) – CNBC

1:05 p.m. ET: USA vs. Norway – Peacock

8 p.m. ET: USA vs. Norway (Re-air) – CNBC

About Team USA’s Oldest Winter Olympian Ever, Rich Ruohonen

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