Rich Ruohonen’s Olympic Debut
In what was a seemingly low-stakes situation during their initial match against Switzerland in the men’s curling round-robin, the U.S. team found themselves trailing 8-2 when an unprecedented moment unfolded. On Thursday, the ice welcomed Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old attorney from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, making him the oldest individual to represent the United States at the Winter Olympics. With a mix of nervous anticipation and determination, Ruohonen stepped in as an alternate for skip Danny Casper, who is battling Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Team Dynamics and Support
As he carefully delivered his stone, cheers erupted from the crowd, and the younger Casper—30 years his junior—celebrated the shot with an enthusiastic shout,
“Yeah baby! Good shot, Rich!”
The standing ovation from U.S. fans was met with a reflective smile from Ruohonen, who expressed a wish for a more favorable score but was grateful for the opportunity. This debut was bittersweet, as it materialized after years of hard work and training while holding a legal career.
Ruohonen’s role on the team extends beyond mere participation; he’s taken on a mentorship role, often balancing his responsibilities by driving teammates to practices and tournaments and even ensuring they have snacks on hand.
Humor and Camaraderie
At a recent press event, Casper humorously reiterated Ruohonen’s dual life, stating,
“We got Rich, uh, he’s a lawyer. I don’t know if you guys knew that,”
prompting laughter among the curlers. Later, he quipped,
“If you need a lawyer, I think you can call Rich.”
Despite the playful jabs, the camaraderie among the team underscores a deep mutual respect and affection, bridging the generational gap in the sport of curling.
Perseverance and Dedication
For Ruohonen, achieving this Olympic milestone is the result of perseverance and sacrifice; he juggles a demanding routine that involves early morning workouts, long commutes, and evening training sessions. Per week, he makes a substantial commitment to both his legal work and curling, often attending competitions from Thursday to Sunday, all while managing his legal obligations remotely.
Reflecting on the evolution of curling, Ruohonen noted the significant transformation of the sport from his early days, when more leisurely habits like smoking were common among players. He praised his younger teammates for their dedication and athleticism, stating,
“Every one of them’s ripped and every one of the sweeps their butt off.”
This blend of experience and youthful vigor may very well be the key to the team’s success as they advance in the tournament, thanks to the synergy between Ruohonen and the next generation of curlers.
A Lasting Legacy
As the games continue, the story of Rich Ruohonen serves as a reminder of the persistent spirit of athletes, regardless of age, and the bonds forged through shared passion and competition.
