Brooklyn Park Attorney Makes Olympic History on U.S. Curling Team

A Brooklyn Park attorney fulfilled his dreams — and earned a place in the record books — after competing in the Olympics on Thursday.

Rich Ruohonen is now officially the oldest American to compete in a Winter Olympic medal event.

Ruohonen, who is 54, has been working more than 30 years to make an Olympic team. He got that opportunity this year as an alternate for USA Team Casper in Milano Cortina. 

In Thursday’s game, Switzerland defeated Team USA 8-3. According to NBC Olympics, the Americans subbed in Ruohonen after giving up a steal in the seventh end. 

CCX spoke with Ruohonen back in late December, during a training session in Blaine. At that time, he didn’t know if he’d see gameplay and set the record, but he was excited to help promote curling on a world stage.

“To be retired, and come out, and now going to the Olympics — it’s kind of crazy, actually,” Ruohonen said in December. “It’s a big deal to me. And I will do whatever it takes to help these guys win.”

Most of his teammates are between the ages of 24 and 27. Ruohonen said his age meant he’s taken on the informal role of “team dad.”

As of Feb. 13, USA Team Casper has played three round-robin games so far, with one win and two losses. Their next game is on Feb. 14 against Germany.

You can follow the team’s progress on Instagram.

Ruohonen’s day job is an attorney at TSR Injury Law in Bloomington. He’s also a six-time winner of Minnesota Attorney of the Year. 

A graphic of Team Casper, representing the USA in Milano Cortina 2026. Ruohonen is the first from the left.

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