Curling player Rich Ruohonen became the latest American athlete to speak out about US domestic politics on Tuesday, condemning immigration operations in his home state of Minnesota, a birthplace of the sport.
Several American athletes at the Winter Games have spoken out about events in their country, with skier Hunter Hess being called a “real loser” by an angry US President Donald Trump.
“I’d like to say that I’m proud to be here representing Team USA and our country. But it would be remiss of us not to mention what’s happening in Minnesota,” said Ruohonen, a 54-year-old personal injury lawyer who works in Minnesota.
“What a difficult time for everyone. This is happening very close to where we live,” he added in a statement at the end of an interview.
Protests have been taking place in Minnesota after ICE agents killed two American citizens as part of Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
“I’m a lawyer, as you know. We have a Constitution, and it guarantees us freedom of expression,” Ruohonen continued.
“It protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures. And it states that there must be probable cause to be stopped. What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. There are no in-betweens. Of course.”
Curling stronghold
Minnesota is a strong symbol of curling in the United States and has already revealed several Olympic competitors, including John Shuster, captain of the men’s team that won gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
Ruohonen, a reserve for the men’s team, said he was proud of the public demonstrations in his hometown.
“I really love what’s happening there right now. With people taking to the streets, showing love, compassion, integrity and respect for people they don’t know, and helping them,” he said.
“We love Minnesota for this… We love our country. We’re playing for America. We’re playing for each other, we’re playing for our families and friends who sacrificed so much to get here today.”
The Olympic Games, he said, represent the same values demonstrated by his compatriots in Minnesota.
“What the Olympic Games stand for is excellence, respect and friendship. All of us, I believe, exemplify that. We are competing for the people of Minnesota and for people across the country who share those same values, that compassion, that love and that respect.”
