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Two-time nationwide curling champion Wealthy Ruohonen mentioned he is proud to signify the USA on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, though “it has been powerful” in his residence state of Minnesota.
“I am a lawyer there. I have been for 28 years, and plenty of tragedy, plenty of difficulties. And, you understand, we need to concentrate on the Video games, however on the identical time, what is going on on there may be mistaken,” Ruohonen informed CBS Information when requested how it’s being on the Olympics and interested by the information that has been popping out of his residence state. In latest weeks, federal immigration brokers have killed two individuals in high-profile shootings in Minneapolis in the middle of their operations there.
“We now have inalienable rights in our structure: Freedom of press, freedom of speech, the fitting to not have unreasonable searches and seizures and never be pulled over for, you understand, with out possible trigger. And people rights aren’t being adopted in Minnesota,” Ruohonen mentioned.
Regardless of the turbulence at residence, Ruohonen informed CBS Information the Olympics showcases among the better of what it means to be a Minnesotan, and an American. As CBS Minnesota reported Tuesday, Ruohonen, at 54, is the oldest American ever to compete in a Winter Video games.
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“The Olympics, it brings this unity, this respect and this compassion, and Minnesota has proven out and used that,” Ruohonen mentioned. “Respect, compassion, empathy for those that is typically missing in our nation, however we, I need to make no mistake about it, we’re taking part in for the U.S. We love the U.S. We love the U.S. We love what the flag is and what it represents. And we’re right here to assist our households and our buddies that gave up a lot for us to be right here at the moment.”
Luc Violette, one other member of the USA Curling Nationwide Group, mentioned plenty of American followers had traveled to Cortina, Italy, to assist the athletes.
“USA is all over the place. We felt actually welcome right here and proceed to really feel (welcome),” he mentioned.
Throughout Tuesday’s blended doubles occasion, Corey Thiesse turned the primary U.S. feminine roller to ever win an Olympic medal when she received silver alongside Korey Dropkin.
However curling is a sport many People aren’t essentially too accustomed to.
“I imply, I will be frank. It is bizarre,” Violette informed CBS Information. “How anybody got here up with this sport is insane. I nonetheless do not know. There’s nonetheless elements of the physics that we do not perceive, however … it actually brings plenty of ability units collectively. Our coach all the time says that the most effective roller is a well-rounded particular person, and so we adore it, and we hope that this sort of publicity will share that love for our sport with plenty of others.”
Ruohonen mentioned the game has modified quite a bit over time.
Thirty years in the past, as an example, “it wasn’t as bodily of a sport,” he mentioned. “You can win and be means chubby, or smoking a cigarette on the ice.”
He mentioned the “recreation has developed to an unbelievable degree over the course of my lifetime.”
“While you’re sweeping, you are leaning a big majority of your weight in your broom and transferring it backwards and forwards. And also you’re in your tippy toes quite a bit. So you must be sturdy,” he mentioned. “It’s a must to have a powerful higher physique. You have got the legs. You are continuously sliding out in a lunging place. That alone is tough. And I do not know in the event you’ve ever tried simply standing on ice for, for instance six, eight hours a day. Simply stand there, do not do something one time and see how your again feels and your muscle groups really feel, as a result of once we play two video games in a day, we’re out on the ice for six to eight hours generally.”
The Group USA curlers mentioned they’ve spent plenty of time explaining the game. So what’s all of it about?
“I normally relate it to bocce ball,” Violette informed CBS Information. “It is about what you rating on the finish of the top, after all of the rocks are thrown. You need extra [curling stones] nearer to the center than the closest of the opposing group. And yeah, sweeping makes the rock go farther. And there is a directional ingredient. We will make it curl extra, curl much less. It is known as curling as a result of the rock curls or curves. And it is onerous. Come strive it out.”
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