Britain’s most successful alpine skier, Dave Ryding, has announced he will retire after the 2025-26 season, with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics marking his final Games.
At 38, Ryding is preparing for his fifth Olympics, determined to end his career on a high note. His best Olympic result so far came in Pyeongchang 2018, where he finished ninth. However, he told BBC Sport that this does not fully reflect his true ability.
Ryding has earned seven World Cup podiums and made history by becoming the first Briton to win a World Cup slalom race at Kitzbuhel in 2022. This year, he achieved his best-ever result at the World Championships, placing sixth in the slalom.
He said he is committed to giving his all in the coming year. “Everything feels right now to draw a line after the Olympics while my body’s good. I’m still at the top of the sport and able to compete with the best,” Ryding said.
He added, “I have no niggles or pains, which is rare in skiing. I don’t want to suffer injuries mid-season. So while I still can, I’ll do everything to be the best in the world.”
The Milano Cortina Olympics run from 6 to 22 February 2026. Before then, Ryding hopes to make more World Cup history.
He aims to become the oldest World Cup slalom skier on a podium, a record he narrowly missed on his last podium by 12 days.
“My best Olympic finish is ninth, so I believe I can improve on that. There is still a lot motivating me, but having the finish line set has eased the long-term pressure,” he told Team GB.
Ryding’s focus is clear: to leave a lasting legacy and compete fiercely until the end of his remarkable career.