Danny Casper is the 24-year-old skip leading Team USA’s men’s curling team at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics after toppling a U.S. legend to earn his spot on the sport’s biggest stage. With a roster full of Olympic debutants and one seasoned veteran, Team Casper enters the Games as a hungry underdog rink with something to prove. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Danny Casper Dethroned a U.S. Curling Legend
Casper earned national attention when he defeated five-time Olympian John Shuster at the U.S. Olympic Trials in November. Shuster had represented Team USA in five straight Olympics and won gold in 2018. When Shuster made his Olympic debut, Casper was just five years old.
The three-game finals marked the first time in 16 years that a new men’s team would represent the United States at the Olympics. A month later, Team Casper defeated China at the Olympic Qualification Event in Kelowna to officially clinch its berth to Milan Cortina.
Casper has made it clear he won’t shy away from competition. “If my opponents want to get in a trash talk competition with me, they’re not going to win it,” he said according to NBC’s official Olympics website. “When I’m curling, I’m kind of an a**hole.”
2. Danny Casper Overcame Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Casper’s road to the Olympics nearly ended before it began. Less than two years ago, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. At times, he could barely walk.
He missed most of the 2024-25 season while recovering, but his teammates never replaced him. He has since said he no longer has the disease, though he still deals with lingering body aches.
His comeback adds another layer to his Olympic debut, reinforcing why teammates and fans refer to him as the “comeback kid.”
3. USA Men’s Curling Team Is One of the Youngest Rinks at the Games
Every on-ice member of Team Casper is under 28 years old. Alongside Casper are third Luc Violette, second Ben Richardson, and lead Aidan Oldenburg. None have competed in a world championship, and all are making their Olympic debuts.
Despite limited international experience, the group has built chemistry and confidence. The U.S. finished fourth at the 2022 Games after winning gold in 2018, and this young rink now looks to chart its own course.
4. Curling Runs in Casper’s Family
Casper comes from a curling family. His great-aunt competed at the 1988 Calgary Olympics, when curling was a demonstration sport. His great uncle, Tom Casper, coached the U.S. men’s team at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
He began curling at age 11 and grew up immersed in the sport’s traditions. That family connection has shaped his competitive edge and commitment to the game.
5. Rich Ruohonen Brings Veteran Experience to the USA Men’s Curling Team
While the core of Team Casper is young, alternate Rich Ruohonen adds decades of experience. The 54-year-old from Minnesota has competed in every U.S. Olympic Trials since 2006 but never reached the Games until now.
“I figured I’d get there someday as a coach, maybe,” Ruohonen said. “To get there, even if it is as an alternate, is just my dream.”
He joined the team during Casper’s illness and helped stabilize the lineup. If he competes, Ruohonen would become the oldest American to participate in any Winter Olympic medal event sport.
USA Curling Men’s Team Casper: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know