New Generation Shakes Up American Curling

In recent years, a young team from the U. S. has taken center stage in a sport that many think is old‑fashioned. The group, led by 24‑year‑old Danny Casper, defeated the veteran squad of John Shuster at the national trials. Shuster had been a symbol for American curling, winning the country’s only gold in 2018 and carrying the flag at Beijing 2022. The match was described by fans as one of the fiercest in recent memory, and Shuster showed sportsmanship by congratulating his opponents. The sport itself dates back to Scottish lochs, where heavy granite stones glide across ice toward a target. Players must respect their rivals and the rules, a principle known as the “Spirit of Curling. ” Casper says that while the game is serious, it can also be fun and entertaining. His teammates are known for juggling before matches and encouraging the crowd with music and dance, hoping to attract new fans. Curling is a team effort. Four members work together: three throw stones while the fourth, called the skip, directs strategy and delivers the final shots. Points are awarded based on how close stones land to the center of a target area called the house. At elite levels, players often switch teams and bring experience from other groups.Casper’s journey has not been easy. Two years ago he was diagnosed with Guillain‑Barré syndrome, a condition that damaged his nerves and forced him to pause for months. With medication and therapy he returned to full‑time play, though some effects linger. The team’s roster includes Rich Ruohonen, a 54‑year‑old veteran who has competed for over three decades. He joins as an alternate, making him the oldest U. S. athlete to appear in a Winter Olympics if he throws a stone. Ruohonen notes that modern training now involves more vigorous sweeping and less frequent practice sessions, a shift from earlier decades. Outside curling, many members hold regular jobs: pharmacists, dentists, engineers and scientists among them. After the trials, Casper joked that he would simply drive home to work at a car dealership the next day. His story illustrates how young athletes balance sport, health challenges and everyday life while aiming for Olympic glory.