American Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old curler and personal injury lawyer back in the United States, made history Thursday as the oldest American athlete ever to compete in the Winter Olympics.
Ruohonen, a curling alternate for the U.S. men’s team, was called in late for the team’s preliminary round match against Switzerland.
The Americans conceded to the Swiss team after trailing 8-3 in the match. The U.S. men’s team will be back on the ice Friday at 3:05 a.m. ET for a rivalry game against Team Canada.
Ruohonen broke a record long held by American figure skater Joseph Savage, who was 52 years old when he competed for the stars and stripes at the 1932 Lake Placid Games.
Ruohonen, an attorney practicing in Minnesota, has earned several Attorney of the Year honors in the North Star State and, according to a profile in The Wall Street Journalwore a T-shirt during the Games to remind the Olympic community that he is “not the father” and “not the coach.”
After Thursday’s loss, Ruohonen commented on the “great” performance, but noted that it was difficult considering the Americans were in the match at the time.
He reflected on his bid to compete in the 1988 Calgary Games, when curling was still a trial sport, adding that he has had “so much heartbreak” over the decades, having “narrowly” missed the games several times leading up to this year’s competition in northern Italy.
“I would have preferred to do it when we were 8-2 up instead of 8-2 down. I really appreciate the boys giving me a chance,” he told reporters.
“It was a great moment for me, even after a loss. I can’t believe the dream came true. My family was there and they were screaming and yelling.”
Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images
Ruohonen made waves earlier this week when he addressed the Trump administration’s deadly immigration policies in Minnesota, an aggressive enforcement that border czar Tom Homan claimed would end Thursday.
Members of Team USA have continued to face wrath from President Donald Trump and his friends for speaking out about politics during the games.
“We have a constitution and it gives us freedom of speech,” Ruohonen said in remarks earlier this week.
“It protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures. And ensures that we must have probable cause to be stopped. What is happening in Minnesota is wrong. There are no shades of gray. It is clear.”
