Curling Olympics 2026: A New Generation Takes Aim at Gold
For two decades, John Shuster has been the face of U.S. curling, a veteran representing the nation in five Winter Olympics and leading the team to a historic gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. He even carried the American flag at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. However, a new chapter is unfolding in U.S. curling, as a young and dynamic team led by 24-year-old Danny Casper has earned their place at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Casper, alongside his teammates Ben Richardson, Aidan Oldenburg, and Luc Violette, all in their mid-20s, represent a fresh wave of talent poised to make their Olympic debut. Their victory at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in November was a testament to their skill and determination, defeating Shuster’s experienced team in a fiercely contested competition.
“We understand how much it means, for us but also for the country,” Casper says. “We want to do our best to represent everyone well, so we’re definitely going to give it our all.” The trials were hailed by fans as the most exciting curling competition in years, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity and competitive spirit.
A Sport Rooted in Tradition, Embracing Entertainment
Curling, a sport with centuries-old roots in Scotland, is known for its unique blend of strategy, precision, and sportsmanship. The “Spirit of Curling” emphasizes respect, fair play, and a commitment to the game’s traditions. However, Team Casper is also looking to inject a new level of entertainment into the sport.
“I want to respect the sport, and it’s a great sport,” Casper explains. “At the same time, it’s a small one, and if we want it to grow, we gotta do something about it.” Teammates Richardson and Oldenburg are known for their pre-game juggling routines, adding a playful element to their performances. Casper believes that engaging the crowd and making the sport more accessible is crucial for its future growth. USA Curling is dedicated to growing the sport across the nation.
Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Experience
Casper’s journey to the Olympics hasn’t been without challenges. He faced a setback two years ago when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that affected his nerve function. Through medication and physical therapy, he successfully returned to the ice, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.
To further strengthen the team, veteran curler Rich Ruohonen, 54, joined as a fifth man. Ruohonen brings a wealth of experience to the team, having competed at the highest levels of curling for over 30 years. He is the oldest U.S. athlete at the Olympics and could make history as the oldest U.S. athlete to compete in a Winter Olympic event.
“It’s been a long road,” Ruohonen says. “I’ve been so close so many times to the Olympics… to get there, even as an alternate, is just my dream.” He notes the evolution of the sport, with a greater emphasis on physical conditioning and aggressive sweeping techniques.
Balancing Curling with Everyday Life
Despite the demands of elite competition, most curlers maintain careers outside of the sport. Team Casper includes a civil engineer and an environmental scientist, while the women’s team features a pharmacist, a dentist, and a lab technician. Casper himself works at an Alfa Romeo car dealership, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of these athletes to both their sport and their livelihoods.
The men’s curling competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics begins on February 11th, with the medal events scheduled for February 20th and 21st. Team Casper is ready to represent the United States with pride and determination, aiming to bring home a gold medal and inspire a new generation of curling enthusiasts.
