Dave Ryding Finishes Last Olympics at Milan Cortina 2026

British alpine skier Dave Ryding has finished his fifth and last Olympic Games at Milan Cortina 2026. He came 17th in his final slalom race. Ryding is famous for being the first Briton to win a World Cup race.
By Newsroom | Winter Sports, Olympics |

Dave Ryding, a prominent figure in British alpine skiing, has completed his fifth and final Olympic Winter Games at Milan Cortina 2026. His last competition saw him finish 17th in the slalom event, marking the conclusion of a significant career that has seen him elevate the sport's profile in Great Britain. Ryding, affectionately known as 'The Rocket', announced his retirement plans prior to the season, aiming to conclude his career while still competing at the highest level.

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Journey from Dry Slopes to Olympic Stages

Ryding's path to professional skiing was unconventional. He first strapped on skis at the age of eight, not on snow-covered mountains, but on the dry slope of Pendle Ski Club. This early exposure to artificial slopes, a stark contrast to the typical alpine upbringing of his competitors, provided a unique foundation for his racing career.

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  • He continued to race on plastic slopes into his early twenties, a period when many of his peers were already training on snow.

  • His first competitive results were challenging, with only one of his first 21 races yielding a finish.

  • Despite this, he showed early potential, achieving a top-20 finish at the Sochi Olympics.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Ryding's career trajectory is marked by significant accomplishments that have rewritten British alpine skiing history.

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  • He is the first and only Briton to win an alpine skiing World Cup race, a historic victory achieved at Kitzbuehel, Austria, in 2022.

  • This landmark win was part of seven career World Cup podiums, with his first World Cup podium, a silver medal, also achieved at Kitzbuehel in 2017.

  • At 39, Ryding has demonstrated remarkable longevity, competing at an elite level for 17 years.

  • He has been a consistent performer on the World Cup circuit, standing on the podium seven times in the last eight seasons.

Olympic Farewell and Future Endeavors

The Milan Cortina 2026 Games served as Ryding's final Olympic appearance, a culmination of a journey that began on plastic slopes.

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  • He has vowed to "give everything" in his last Olympic campaign.

  • While he did not achieve a medal in his final Olympic race, he has hinted at a desire to win a medal at his concluding Games.

  • Ryding has expressed pride in elevating the sport in Great Britain and inspiring teammates like Lawrie Taylor and Billy Major.

  • Beyond his racing career, Ryding and his wife Mandy opened a coffee shop in 2019, a venture he humorously described as a way to prevent him from becoming "a cauliflower" and to offer a respite from the demands of professional skiing.

  • He has indicated a desire to stay involved in the sport, potentially through mentoring young skiers.

Analysis of Ryding's Impact

Dave Ryding's career represents a paradigm shift for British alpine skiing. His success challenges the long-held notion that success in the sport is exclusive to nations with extensive alpine infrastructure.

The Dry Slope Advantage: A Calculated Risk?

Ryding's formative years on dry slopes provided him with consistent training opportunities irrespective of seasonal conditions or geographic location.

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  • Argument for: This unique training method allowed for continuous skill refinement and a lower barrier to entry, enabling him to compete while many peers were off-snow.

  • Counter-argument: The tactile differences between dry slopes and snow are significant, potentially creating a disadvantage in feel and control on race day. Ryding himself has acknowledged the "painful friction burns" that can result from falls on artificial surfaces.

Impact on British Winter Sports

Ryding's World Cup victories and consistent high-level performances have placed British alpine skiing on the global map, de facto raising expectations for future generations.

  • Evidence of impact: His success has reportedly inspired teammates and elevated the sport's profile, leading to increased attention and support.

  • Broader implications: His achievements suggest that talent development pathways for winter sports in Great Britain might be more adaptable and less dependent on traditional alpine environments than previously assumed.

Expert Perspectives

The unique trajectory of Dave Ryding's career has drawn attention from those within the sport. His ability to reach the pinnacle of alpine skiing from a non-traditional background is often highlighted.

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"He's in their club because he's earned it." - Unattributed comment regarding Ryding's standing within the sport.

"Dave Ryding is a testament to perseverance and belief. To achieve what he has, coming from a dry-slope background, is truly remarkable and shows what can be done with dedication." - Attributed to an unnamed sports analyst familiar with winter sports development.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Dave Ryding's culmination at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics signifies the end of an era for British alpine skiing. His legacy is not solely defined by his individual victories but by the broader impact he has had in demonstrating that success in alpine skiing is attainable for athletes from diverse backgrounds.

  • Ryding's career serves as a powerful case study in sports development, showcasing the potential for athletes to excel through alternative training methodologies.

  • His explicit intention to remain involved in the sport suggests a continued contribution to nurturing future British alpine talent.

  • The precedent set by Ryding is likely to influence how British winter sports talent is identified and developed in the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Dave Ryding's last Olympic race?
Dave Ryding finished his last Olympic slalom race in 17th place at Milan Cortina 2026. He did not win a medal in this race.
Q: What is Dave Ryding famous for?
Dave Ryding is famous for being the first and only British person to win a World Cup alpine skiing race. He won in Kitzbuehel, Austria, in 2022. He also had seven World Cup podium finishes.
Q: Where did Dave Ryding start skiing?
Dave Ryding started skiing on a dry slope at Pendle Ski Club when he was eight years old. This is different from most skiers who start on real snow mountains.
Q: What will Dave Ryding do next?
Dave Ryding wants to stay involved in skiing, maybe by helping younger skiers. He also owns a coffee shop with his wife.