Dave Ryding shares heartfelt retirement message as final Winter Olympics slalom in Milano Cortina 2026 closes historic skiing chapter

Dave Ryding stood at the finish line knowing a long chapter of his life was ending. The 39-year-old British skier delivered an emotional message after his final Olympic race at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Speaking through tears, Dave Ryding signaled that retirement was near, closing a journey that inspired winter sports fans for more than a decade.

Ryding finished 17th in the men’s slalom in Bormio. While it was not a medal result, the moment still mattered deeply. He was among only 46 skiers who completed the difficult race out of 96 starters, showing his determination until the very end. Soon after the race, he opened his heart about the future. “We’ll see, we’ll see. To be honest, I feel like it’s time,” he said, as reported by TNT. His words made clear that the Olympic stage had likely seen his final run.

Dave Ryding reflects on Olympic career, final season goals, and historic impact on British alpine skiing

Emotion-filled Ryding’s voice as he described the end of his career. “I will never look back and think ‘What if?’ I will never look back and think, ‘Did I retire too early?’ I gave it my all right until the end, and it was a hell of a ride,” he said. He added that the journey brought unforgettable highs, meaningful friendships, and even meeting his wife through skiing.

The Milano Cortina 2026 appearance marked Ryding’s fifth Winter Olympics. He had already shared in June 2025 that this season would be his last in competitive ski racing. Even so, he wanted to finish with pride. After crossing the finish line in Bormio, he bowed to the crowd to thank fans and the sport that shaped his life. He later admitted he might have stayed one season longer than expected, but he wanted to leave knowing he had given everything.

Ryding’s Olympic history includes a strong ninth-place finish at the 2018 Winter Games, his best result on that stage. Beyond the Olympics, he made national history in 2022 by becoming the first British alpine skier to win a World Cup gold medal. That victory proved that athletes from Great Britain could compete with the world’s best in a sport long dominated by other nations.

Before his final season began, Ryding clearly explained his goal. “As everyone knows, this is my last season of ski racing, and I’m going to give everything I’ve got to make my final Olympics my best one,” he told ESPN. He also thanked the people who supported him through years of training and competition.

Now, as retirement approaches, Ryding leaves behind more than results. He leaves a story of persistence, national pride, and love for the sport. His journey shows that success is not only about medals but also about dedication and heart.


Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.