Dave Ryding’s legacy will go down in history, but he’s not done yet.
Ryding will compete at his final Olympic Games when he drops down the Stelvio Pass in Bormio on Monday, having previously stated that this will be his last season on skis.
It’s a journey that has seen him become the most decorated alpine skier in British history.
Nicknamed ‘the Rocket’, Ryding has won seven medals on the World Cup circuit, with his most recent one coming from bronze in Madonna di Campiglio in December 2023, while a glorious victory at Kitzbuehel in January 2022 saw him clinch his maiden World Cup gold in the slalom. It also marked the first by a British alpine skier.
Having made his Olympic debut back at Vancouver 2010 as a green 23-year-old, Ryding is now one of the oldest athletes on the circuit at 39, and is ready to inspire the next generation just as he was once inspired.
“If I can add to that legacy on Monday then that would be the icing and cherry on the top of the cake,” he added.
“If it means that whoever is coming up next, watches that and thinks ‘that’s what I want to do’, that would be cool.”
Despite it being his final Games, Milano Cortina 2026 will be no song and dance for Ryding.
The 39-year-old has stated his ambitions to challenge for medals in Italy, with a sixth-place finish at last year’s World Championships providing the context to his quest.
With World Cup finals still to come post-Olympics, Ryding’s attendance at the event is still undecided, meaning that Monday could be the very last time we see him compete.
But that decision is yet to enter his mind, with the skier purely focussing on the task at hand.
“It’s obviously my last Olympics and what will be after that I will decide on Tuesday probably,” he said.
“I’ve just been so focussed on staying in the fight, and doing what I can to get here, and I haven’t put too much thought into what’s next or when I’m going to officially draw the line.
“I’m ready to go on Monday and give it my all. I’m not the type of guy who turns up for the emotion of the setting or just racing to try and enjoy it.
“I want to race to be in amongst the top guys, that’s exactly what I’ll be doing.”
Despite not knowing when his season will officially end, Ryding is sure of one thing, he is ready to give back. Just let him be with his family first.
He added: “I would like to stay in ski racing through some sort of coaching or mentorship but the first thing I’ve got to do is make sure I’m a dad and a husband.”
