When the U.S. men’s curling team slides onto the ice this Wednesday, all eyes might not just be on the stones and brooms. One particular team member, Rich Ruohenon, a trial lawyer from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, is poised to carve his name into Olympic history. At 54, Ruohenon, serving as an alternate, could become the oldest U.S. athlete ever to compete in the Olympic Games if he steps onto the ice during a match.

Historically, the record for the oldest U.S. athlete to compete in the Olympics has been a rare feat, achieved by only a handful of athletes aged 50 or older. According to Olympic historian Bill Mallon, as reported by Yahoo Sports, Ruohenon’s participation would be a significant milestone in the annals of Olympic history.

Ruohenon, who has experienced several near misses in qualifying for previous Olympics, is attending the games for the first time. His journey to this point has been fueled by a mix of passion for the sport and relentless perseverance. Now, as part of the U.S. team, he is optimistic about his chances of finally making an Olympic appearance.

“I’m sure they’re going to try to make it happen,” Ruohenon shared with Yahoo Sports. “I have a pretty good feeling. That’s all I want. I want them to be healthy and I want them to win it, but I’m not going to lie. I want to get in for a rock or two.”

The curling community and fans alike are buzzing with anticipation, not only for the team’s performance but also to witness a potential historic moment. Whether Ruohenon gets his chance to curl a stone or not, his story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games, where dreams are often decades in the making and every athlete’s journey is a unique narrative of determination and resilience. As the curling stones begin their glide this Wednesday, one stone may just set a new milestone in Olympic history.