New Generation Shakes Up American Curling
A young U.S. team has taken the spotlight in a sport many consider old‑fashioned. Led by 24‑year‑old Danny Casper, they bested veteran John Shuster at the national trials. Shuster, who captured America’s only curling gold in 2018 and carried the flag at Beijing 2022, was humbled by a match described as one of the fiercest in recent memory. True to the Spirit of Curling, Shuster congratulated his opponents with sportsmanship.
From Scottish Lochs to American Ice
Curling’s roots trace back to Scottish lochs, where heavy granite stones glide across ice toward a target. The game demands respect for rivals and strict adherence to rules, embodying the Spirit of Curling. Casper notes that while the sport is serious, it also offers fun and entertainment. His teammates add flair by juggling before matches and energizing crowds with music and dance—an effort to attract new fans.
Team Dynamics
A curling team comprises four members:
- Three throwers deliver the stones.
- The skip directs strategy and throws the final shots.
Points are earned by how close stones land to the center of the target area, known as the house. At elite levels, players often switch teams, bringing diverse experience.
Casper’s Road to the Trials
Casper’s journey has been challenging. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with Guillain‑Barré syndrome, a condition that damaged his nerves and forced months of pause. With medication and therapy, he returned to full‑time play, though some effects linger.
Roster Highlights
- Rich Ruohonen (54) – veteran with over three decades of competition, serving as an alternate. If he throws a stone, he would become the oldest U.S. athlete to appear in a Winter Olympics.
- Other teammates – pharmacists, dentists, engineers, and scientists.
Ruohonen observes that modern training involves more vigorous sweeping but fewer practice sessions compared to earlier decades.
Life Beyond the Ice
After the trials, Casper joked he would drive home to work at a car dealership the next day. His story exemplifies how young athletes balance sport, health challenges, and everyday life while chasing Olympic glory.
