Is This the End of Ryding's Olympic Journey in Slalom?

Dave Ryding, a stalwart of British Alpine skiing, made his Olympic debut at Vancouver 2010 and has now completed his final Olympics at the age of 39. Known as 'the Rocket', Ryding finished 17th in the slalom at the Milan-Cortina Games, a bittersweet end to a remarkable career that has solidified his status as Britain's greatest Alpine skier.

Last updated: 04 February 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Ryding concludes his illustrious career, he has expressed pride in his journey and the impact he has had on British skiing. Despite finishing lower than expected in the slalom, he managed to complete a challenging course in difficult weather conditions, a testament to his resilience. With retirement on the horizon, Ryding is looking forward to mentoring the next generation of skiers, ensuring that his legacy continues in the sport.

Key takeaways

Dave Ryding finished 17th in the slalom at the Milan-Cortina Games.
This marks Ryding's fifth and final Olympics, concluding a distinguished career.
He was the first British skier to win World Cup slalom gold at the age of 35.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Dave Ryding has been remarkable, characterised by perseverance and determination. Here are some significant milestones:

2010: Ryding makes his Olympic debut at the Vancouver Games.
2018: Achieves his best Olympic result, finishing 9th in the slalom in Pyeongchang.
2022: Wins his first World Cup slalom gold in Kitzbuhel, becoming the oldest Briton to do so.
2023: Concludes his Olympic journey in Milan-Cortina, with a 17th place finish.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

With the conclusion of the 2023 Winter Olympics, Ryding's retirement is imminent, making headlines as he reflects on his career and the legacy he leaves behind. His statement about staying involved in skiing through mentoring young athletes indicates his commitment to the sport even after retirement.

What was already established

Ryding's reputation as Britain's greatest Alpine skier has been established over the years through his perseverance, culminating in his significant achievements on the World Cup circuit. His journey from a dry slope in Lancashire to Olympic competition is well-documented and inspires many in the sport.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Ryding's success has raised the profile of skiing in the UK, potentially encouraging more people to take up the sport, especially in light of his accessible beginnings. His story may inspire families to invest in skiing opportunities for their children.

Businesses and jobs

With Ryding's prominence in the sport, there may be increased interest in ski-related businesses, such as ski schools, equipment sales, and travel companies offering ski trips. His achievements could also lead to more sponsorship opportunities for British skiing.

Policy and regulation

Ryding's success highlights the need for supportive policies in British skiing, fostering talent from a young age and providing facilities for training. Ongoing conversations about funding and support for winter sports could be influenced by his legacy.

Numbers that matter

17th place finish in slalom at Milan-Cortina 2023.
9th place finish at Pyeongchang 2018, Ryding's best Olympic result.
35 years old when he won World Cup slalom gold, making him the oldest Briton to do so.
He earned his first World Cup points just before his 26th birthday.
Ranked in the top 30 for 11 years; top 15 for 9 years.

Definitions and jargon buster

Alpine skiing: A skiing discipline that involves racing down snow-covered hills on a fixed-heel binding.
World Cup: The premier international circuit for competitive alpine skiing.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of the Olympics, Ryding will focus on transitioning into retirement while remaining involved in skiing through mentorship. This period will likely involve reflections on his career and planning for future engagements within the sport.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next several months, Ryding may seek to establish a formal mentoring programme or training camps for young skiers, building on his experience and insights gained from years of competition.

Signals to watch

Announcements regarding potential coaching roles or mentorship initiatives Ryding may undertake.
Increased participation rates in British skiing following Ryding's retirement.
Emergence of new British skiing talent inspired by Ryding's legacy.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider supporting local ski clubs and organisations that nurture young talent.
Follow Ryding’s journey as he transitions into mentorship; support initiatives he may launch.
Encourage children to explore winter sports, drawing inspiration from athletes like Ryding.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of grassroots programmes in developing future skiing talent.
Don’t forget to celebrate local athletes and their contributions to the sport.

Checklist

Research local ski clubs and opportunities for children to engage in skiing.
Stay informed on developments in British skiing policy and funding.
Watch for announcements regarding Ryding’s future plans in skiing.
Engage with community events promoting winter sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Ryding’s career has been an inspiring tale of determination, the future of British skiing remains uncertain. Factors such as funding, access to training facilities, and the continued interest in winter sports will play significant roles in shaping the landscape. Additionally, the impact of Ryding's retirement on the morale and performance of upcoming athletes is yet to be fully realised.

Bottom line

Dave Ryding's career has been a remarkable journey, showcasing the potential for success in a sport often dominated by nations with significant snowfall. His retirement marks the end of an era but opens the door for a new generation of British skiers to emerge, inspired by his achievements. As Ryding transitions into mentorship, the future of British skiing looks promising.

FAQs

What were Dave Ryding's most significant achievements?

Ryding is celebrated for being the first Briton to win World Cup slalom gold at the age of 35 and for his consistent ranking in the top 30 for over a decade.

How did Ryding start his skiing career?

Ryding began skiing at the age of eight on the dry slopes of Pendle Ski Club, before progressing to snow skiing later in his teenage years.

What is next for Dave Ryding post-retirement?

Ryding plans to stay involved in skiing, focusing on mentoring young athletes and sharing his experiences to inspire the next generation.