Dave Ryding Reflects on Career, Future Plans After Final Olympic Games
Milano Cortina 2026 will mark the finish of a remarkable 17-year career for Great Britain’s most successful skier, Dave Ryding. The 39-year-old slalom specialist is preparing to compete in his fourth Olympic Winter Games, and is looking for a maiden Olympic medal.
A Unique Path to the Top
Ryding’s journey to the pinnacle of alpine skiing is unconventional. He didn’t begin snow training until the age of 13, and initially struggled in the international scene. Despite this, he has achieved seven World Cup medals, including a bronze in 2023, and a historic victory at the 2022 Kitzbühel slalom – the first World Cup win for a British athlete in Alpine skiing.
No. To be honest, people always say like, ‘Oh, what if you’d done more skiing when you were young’, because I didn’t move on snow training until I was 13 and my first years in the international scene, I was, in plain words, terrible, you recognize?Dave Ryding
Ryding emphasizes that his story is uniquely his own, and he takes immense pride in his accomplishments.
Final Races and a Smooth Transition
While the Olympics represent the culmination of his competitive career, Ryding intends to complete the season after the Games. However, his focus is firmly on Milano Cortina 2026. He anticipates approaching the two races following the Olympics with a more relaxed mindset.
I will finish the season, but my competitive mind is set on the Olympics. You’ll see two races after the Olympics where I feel like I will just enjoy it. Knowing myself, I will still do some gym work, I will aim for to do well, but there will be no pressure. The last month will be much more about enjoying training with the team-mates, enjoying racing with the guys who I’ve raced with for a long, long time, and yeah, taking that last month in.Dave Ryding
He credits the camaraderie with teammates Billy Major and Laurie Taylor as a key factor in his continued success.
Looking Ahead: Mentorship and New Passions
Ryding is already planning for life after skiing, with a desire to remain involved in the sport. He intends to launch a mentorship program this season to prepare for his post-racing career.
I will for sure stay in the sport. I will actually try to launch something this season, in a mentorship capacity so that I’m ready for after-ski racing. I don’t want to just fully commit to one thing, I want to try a few things and then narrow it down. I don’t want to be doing something in six months that I hate. I want to be doing things, trying things, and uncover the next passion. I want to wake up in the morning with a passion to obtain to work.Dave Ryding
He’s committed to exploring various opportunities before settling on a long-term path.
FAQ
- How old is Dave Ryding? He is currently 39 years old (born December 5, 1986).
- What discipline does Dave Ryding specialize in? He specializes in slalom.
- What is Dave Ryding’s best Olympic finish? His best Olympic finish is ninth place at PyeongChang in 2018.
As Dave Ryding prepares for his final Olympic Games, he leaves behind a legacy as Great Britain’s most successful skier and an inspiration to aspiring athletes.