I'm the oldest US Olympian ever to compete. I had to keep my full-time job, and worked over 40 hours while on the road.

Rich Ruohonen became the oldest Team USA Olympian at 54.

Courtesy of Team USA

• Fifty-four-year-old Rich Ruohonen is a personal injury attorney based in Bloomington, Minnesota.
• He was on Team USA's men's curling team and is the oldest athlete to compete at the Winter Olympics 2026.
• While he's not sure he'll compete in the Olympics again, he still competes in curling.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rich Ruohonen. It has been edited for length and clarity.