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Danny Casper Leads Young U.S. Men’s Curling Team at Milan-Cortina After Guillain-Barré Ordeal

His Olympic return follows a rapid-onset diagnosis confirmed after a USOPC referral and EMG testing.

Overview

  • Danny Casper is skipping Team USA in Cortina, guiding a roster of Olympic debutants in their first Games together.
  • Less than two years ago he struggled to walk and missed most of the 2024–25 season before working back onto the ice.
  • He manages lingering pain and dexterity issues with shifting medication regimens, including carbamazepine after gabapentin and muscle relaxants, and plans to revisit treatment after the season.
  • Team Casper earned the U.S. berth by upsetting five-time Olympian John Shuster at Trials and then defeating China at the Kelowna qualification event.
  • Reports differ on whether he still carries the Guillain-Barré diagnosis, but all accounts note ongoing symptoms; veteran alternate Rich Ruohonen provides stability after joining during Casper’s illness.