CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — It was a defining moment in the U.S. men’s curling match against Switzerland. The team was down 8-2 when they decided to bring in a new player. Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old personal injury lawyer from Minnesota, stepped onto the ice.
He launched his stone, watching intently until it landed safely. “Good shot, Rich!” cheered his teammate, Danny Casper, who was born in 2001. The crowd erupted in applause. Rich had just become the oldest athlete to compete for the U.S. at the Winter Olympics.
“I would’ve preferred to come in while we were winning,” Rich said, acknowledging the team’s tough position. He has embraced his role as an honorary uncle to his younger teammates, often driving them, waking them up for practice, and even buying snacks.
Balancing curling and a full-time legal career is no small feat. Rich wakes up at 5 a.m. three days a week to train before heading to work. After long days at his law practice, he often travels for curling tournaments, making sure to handle court hearings on Zoom when needed. He has two kids, Nicholas and Hannah, and has taught them to curl—though Nicholas prefers hockey.
His dynamic with the younger teammates is filled with love and camaraderie. The fresh faces have given Rich the Olympic chance he always sought after many near misses. And he brings a wealth of experience, connecting the new generation with the sport’s history.
“There was a time when curling was more relaxed,” Rich said. “Now, look at these guys—they’re all in top shape and work so hard.”
Rich’s journey also sheds light on the evolution of curling, where dedication and fitness have become key. A recent study indicated that athletes’ training regimens have shifted drastically over the last 20 years, focusing on strength and conditioning alongside traditional skills.
This blend of experience and innovation is what makes the current U.S. curling team unique. They aren’t just playing for victory; they’re building a legacy that acknowledges both past and present.
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