Brief Introduction of Rich Ruohonen
Rich Ruohonen is a distinguished American curler and a practicing personal injury lawyer. Born and raised in Minnesota, a heartland of American curling, Ruohonen has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the sport, achieving national recognition and representing the United States on the world stage. His career is highlighted by two United States Men’s Curling Championship victories, in 2008 and 2018, which earned him the honor of competing in the World Men’s Curling Championships in those respective years. Beyond his own remarkable accomplishments as a player, Ruohonen is also known for his longevity in the highly competitive sport, balancing a demanding legal career with the rigors of elite-level curling. His journey is one of perseverance, having faced numerous near-misses in Olympic trials before finally earning a spot as an alternate for the 2026 Winter Olympics, potentially making him the oldest American to compete in a Winter Olympics.
Rich Ruohonen Overview
| Full Name | Richard Ruohonen |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1971 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 54 |
| Birthplace | Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Profession | Curler, Personal Injury Lawyer |
| Husband/Wife | Sherry Ruohonen |
| Family | Wife (Sherry), two children (Hannah and Nicholas) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Rich Ruohonen
Rich Ruohonen was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on March 31, 1971. His introduction to the sport of curling came at a young age, a common narrative for many athletes from the region. He began his journey with the sport in the fifth grade, playing on Saturday mornings at the St. Paul Curling Club. This early start laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion and a decorated competitive career. His father played a significant role in his early curling development, introducing him to the game when he moved back to the Twin Cities area to live with him. By his late teens, around 1990, Ruohonen was competing at the junior level, showcasing his burgeoning talent and dedication to the sport.
While his passion for curling was undeniable, Ruohonen also pursued higher education and a professional career outside of sports. He attended Hamline University for his undergraduate studies. Following his undergraduate degree, he enrolled in Hamline Law School to pursue a law degree. The demands of law school, coupled with a serious knee injury, led him to take a brief hiatus from curling, the only season he has taken off since he began playing in 1981. This period of his life demonstrates his commitment to both his academic and athletic pursuits, and his ability to overcome challenges. After completing his legal education, Ruohonen embarked on a successful career as a personal injury lawyer, a profession he continues to practice while competing at the highest levels of curling.
Rich Ruohonen’s Career
Rich Ruohonen’s curling career is a testament to his enduring skill and dedication to the sport. His journey at the national level began in 1998 when he made his first appearance at the United States Men’s Championship. A decade later, in 2008, he achieved a career milestone by winning his first national championship while playing third for skip Craig Brown. This victory earned Team USA a spot at the 2008 World Men’s Curling Championship, where they finished with a 5–6 record, placing seventh.
The path to his second national title was marked by several close calls. Ruohonen was a silver medalist at the U.S. National Championships in 2011, 2013, and 2017. Undeterred, he and his team, which included Greg Persinger, Colin Hufman, and Philip Tilker, returned to the top of the podium in 2018, securing his second U.S. Men’s Curling Championship. At the subsequent 2018 World Men’s Championship in Las Vegas, with Ruohonen as skip, the team reached the playoffs and finished in sixth place.
Ruohonen’s quest for an Olympic berth has been a long and challenging one. He has competed in multiple U.S. Olympic Trials, finishing as high as second for the 2018 Games and third for the 2022 Games. After the 2022 trials, he briefly stepped away from elite-level curling. However, his experience and skill remained in high demand. He played a season with a team that included retired NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen.
A pivotal moment in his recent career came when he was asked to be a substitute for Team Casper, a team of much younger curlers, while their skip, Danny Casper, was recovering from an illness. Ruohonen’s veteran presence and strategic acumen proved invaluable, and he was asked to stay on as the team’s alternate. This collaboration led to a remarkable victory at the 2025 U.S. Olympic Trials, where they defeated the long-dominant team skipped by John Shuster. This victory secured their spot in the Olympic qualification event, where they were successful, earning a place at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. This achievement, after decades of trying, was an emotional and fulfilling moment for Ruohonen. If he competes, at age 54, he would become the oldest American to ever compete at the Winter Olympics.
In addition to his success in men’s curling, Ruohonen has also competed in senior-level events, winning back-to-back medals at the World Senior Curling Championships with a silver in 2024 and a bronze in 2025.
Rich Ruohonen Personal Life & Family
Outside of the curling rink and the courtroom, Rich Ruohonen is a dedicated family man. He is married to his wife, Sherry, and together they have two children, a daughter named Hannah and a son named Nicholas. The family resides in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Ruohonen has spoken about the sacrifices his family has made to support his curling ambitions and expressed his excitement at the prospect of them being with him to celebrate his Olympic qualification.
His family is deeply involved in his life, both on and off the ice. He has spent summers at their cabin in Annandale, Minnesota, and has been actively involved in his children’s athletic pursuits, coaching his daughter’s fastpitch softball team and his son’s baseball team. He has also passed on his love for curling to his children, having coached his daughter’s curling team. His son, Nick, has also been inspired by his father’s recent Olympic success to get back on the ice himself.
Ruohonen’s professional life is as a partner at the law firm TSR Injury Law in Bloomington, Minnesota, where he specializes in representing victims of personal injury accidents, with a focus on car accidents and traumatic brain injuries. He maintains a rigorous schedule to balance his legal career and his curling commitments, often waking up at 5:30 a.m. to train before a long day at the office.
In his leisure time, Ruohonen enjoys a variety of outdoor and sporting activities. He is an avid fisherman and enjoys water sports. He also plays competitive softball in the summer and has an interest in basketball, biking, and tennis.
Awards and Achievements of Rich Ruohonen
- United States Men’s Curling Champion (2008, 2018)
- United States Men’s Curling Championship Silver Medalist (2011, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2025)
- United States Men’s Curling Championship Bronze Medalist (2014)
- United States Olympic Trials Winner (2025 – as alternate)
- United States Olympic Trials Silver Medalist (2017)
- Pan Continental Curling Championships Bronze Medalist (2022)
- World Senior Curling Championships Silver Medalist (2024)
- World Senior Curling Championships Bronze Medalist (2025)
Rich Ruohonen Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Rich Ruohonen’s specific net worth is not publicly available. His income is derived from his successful career as a personal injury lawyer, where he is a partner at the firm TSR Injury Law. In addition to his legal practice, his career as a professional curler, which includes winnings from competitions and potential sponsorships, would also contribute to his overall financial standing. However, without public disclosure, a precise figure cannot be provided.
Legacy and Influence
Rich Ruohonen’s legacy in the sport of curling is multifaceted. He is recognized for his skill and longevity, having competed at a high level for several decades in a physically and mentally demanding sport. His two national championships and multiple appearances at the World Championships solidify his place among the top American curlers of his generation. His perseverance in the face of numerous near-misses at the Olympic trials, culminating in his qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics as an alternate at the age of 54, serves as an inspiration for athletes of all ages.
His role as a veteran presence on the youthful Team Casper highlights his influence as a mentor and leader. His younger teammates have praised his experience, strategic mind, and calming influence, crediting him as a crucial factor in their success. Ruohonen’s ability to seamlessly integrate with a team of players significantly younger than him speaks to his adaptability and his passion for the collaborative spirit of curling.
Beyond his on-ice achievements, Ruohonen’s ability to balance a successful legal career with his athletic pursuits demonstrates a remarkable level of discipline and dedication. This dual identity as a lawyer and an elite athlete provides a compelling example of how professional and sporting ambitions can coexist and thrive. His journey to the Olympics late in his career has garnered significant media attention, bringing a positive spotlight to the sport of curling and showcasing the stories of its dedicated athletes.
Interesting Facts about Rich Ruohonen
- If he competes in the 2026 Winter Olympics, Rich Ruohonen will become the oldest American to ever compete in a Winter Olympic Games.
- He took only one season off from curling since he started in 1981, which was during his time at Hamline Law School and while recovering from a serious knee injury.
- In 2001, he acted as the attorney for fellow curler Jason Larway in a grievance filed with the United States Olympic Committee and the United States Curling Association.
- He has curled with former NFL player and Hall of Famer Jared Allen.
- He is a partner in a Minnesota law firm that specializes in personal injury cases.
- He enjoys a variety of other sports, including competitive softball, fishing, basketball, and tennis.
- He started curling in the fifth grade at the St. Paul Curling Club.
Controversies
Information not disclosed.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- YouTube – Information not disclosed.
Final Words about Rich Ruohonen
Rich Ruohonen’s story is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of a lifelong dream. His journey in the sport of curling has spanned decades, marked by national championships, international competitions, and the unwavering dedication required to compete at an elite level while maintaining a demanding professional career. His recent qualification as an alternate for the 2026 Winter Olympics is a fitting chapter in his remarkable career, offering the potential for a history-making appearance as the oldest American Winter Olympian.
His impact on the sport extends beyond his own accolades. As a veteran presence on a young and talented team, he has embraced a mentorship role, sharing his wealth of experience and contributing to the success of the next generation of American curlers. Whether he steps onto the Olympic ice or supports his team from the sidelines, Rich Ruohonen’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of sport and the idea that it is never too late to achieve a long-held ambition. His legacy will be one of a skilled competitor, a dedicated teammate, and an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through decades of hard work and an unyielding love for the game.