The United States men's curling team, led by 24-year-old skip Danny Casper, is competing in the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with a mix of youthful energy and experience. Alternate Rich Ruohonen, 54, became the oldest American Winter Olympian during a match against Switzerland. Teammate Aidan Oldenburg has gained viral fame as 'Curling Rambo' for his red bandanna and sweeping prowess.
At the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the U.S. men's curling team, skipped by Danny Casper, has started the round-robin phase with a 1-2 record. They defeated Czechia 8-7 on Wednesday, but lost 8-3 to Switzerland on Thursday and 6-3 to Canada on Friday. Casper, making his Olympic debut, brings confidence to the ice. "I look to my right, look to my left and down the sheet, and I just think there’s no good reason that I should miss this shot," he told NBC News.
The team includes lead Aidan Oldenburg, second Ben Richardson, third Luc Violette, and alternate Rich Ruohonen. Oldenburg has become a viral sensation, dubbed 'Curling Rambo' for his red bandanna, curly hair, and glasses, drawing comparisons to gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik. He started wearing the bandanna as a joke during a tournament last year to keep sweat out of his eyes. Nedoroscik sent a video message: "I just want to say I came across your story and I find you to be such a cool, interesting dude... If you guys ever need a plus one on your curling team, feel free to reach out."
Ruohonen, a personal injury lawyer from Minnesota and six-time Minnesota Attorney of the Year, substituted in during the loss to Switzerland when the team trailed 8-2. He threw a corner guard, earning cheers and becoming the oldest U.S. Winter Olympian at 54. "I would have rather done it when we were up 8-2 instead of down 8-2," Ruohonen said. He has spoken out about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Minnesota, stating, "What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. There’s no shades of gray."
Casper's team upset veteran John Shuster's squad in the U.S. trials in November to qualify, later securing their Olympic spot with a win over China. National Team Director Phill Drobnick praised the young roster: "These guys are young and they’ve got a lot of opportunities." Six of the 11 U.S. Olympic curlers hail from Minnesota, where the sport has deep roots for Casper, who moved there at 19 to train.
