Rich Ruohonen, a 54‑year‑old personal injury attorney from Bloomington, Minnesota, served as the alternate for the United States men’s curling team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina. His participation made him the oldest American athlete to compete in the Winter Games. Ruohonen began curling at about 12 years old, taught by his father, and has played competitively for the past 25 years. He first joined a national championship team in 1998 and again in 2001, and has appeared in 21 of the last 23 national championships, winning two titles.
Training and Work Balance
Unlike athletes from countries that fund their competitors, Ruohonen must maintain a full‑time legal practice while training for international competition. He works as a personal injury lawyer, typically from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and often extends his hours to meet client demands. Early mornings are reserved for sport: he leaves home at 5:15 a.m., drives 30 miles to a training facility, and trains from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. After a quick shower, he returns to the office. During the competitive season, he also participates in a Tuesday night league and practices on weekends, spending two to four hours each day on the ice.
When traveling for tournaments, Ruohonen continues to work, logging more than 40 hours per week. The schedule leaves little time for rest, and he reports limited sleep. The demands of his dual roles have required significant personal sacrifice, including his wife staying home to manage household responsibilities while their adult children, aged 21 and 24, handle their own lives.
Olympic Participation
Ruohonen’s role as alternate meant he was on the roster but did not compete in any matches during the 2026 Games. Nevertheless, his presence on the team marked a historic milestone for American curling. He has also competed in Olympic trials and has been a regular member of the national team’s competitive circuit.
Future Plans
In April 2026, Ruohonen will compete in the senior World Curling Championship, a first for an athlete who has also participated in the Olympics in the same year. He has expressed interest in continuing to play at a high level, including potential participation in the 2030 Winter Olympics. However, he has not yet confirmed a decision, citing the physical demands of the sport and the need to balance his legal career. He remains active in charity curling events, such as those organized for the Lupus Foundation, where he serves as skip for fundraising matches.
Implications
Ruohonen’s experience highlights the financial and logistical challenges faced by U.S. athletes in sports that receive limited government support. His dual career underscores the need for broader funding mechanisms to allow athletes to train full time without compromising professional obligations. The upcoming senior World Championship will provide an opportunity to assess his performance against international competitors and to determine whether he will pursue further Olympic involvement.
