Breaking Age Records: Meet the 54-Year-Old Curling Sensation Taking the Olympic Stage

Rich Ruohonen has done what most athletes only dream of—he’s become the oldest American to compete in the Winter Olympics at 54 years old. Subbing into a men’s curling match during the 2026 Games, he’s not only breaking age records but tackling serious social issues as well. Based in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, he’s balancing a law career and his family while promoting conversations about the heavy ICE presence in his home state.

Ruohonen’s journey in curling began when he was just a kid, and his accolades have only grown over the years—winning titles and medals at various championship levels. Moreover, he’s spoken out passionately about troubling issues back home, calling attention to the negative impact of ICE’s presence following recent incidents in Minneapolis. In a sport where age often dictates retirement, Ruohonen proves that passion, drive, and a little rebellion can empower athletes to reach new heights—both on the ice and off. As he takes to the sport that’s molded him, he represents not just Team USA but also a voice for compassion and community values in an increasingly divisive world.