This video can not be played Let's see what we can achieve - Ryding Dave Ryding, Britain's most successful alpine ski racer, is to retire at the end of the 2025-26 season. Known as 'the Rocket', in 2022 slalom specialist Ryding became thefirst British alpine skier to win World Cup gold. Earlier this year, he sealed the nation's best men's World Championship result since 1934 by finishing sixth. February's Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics will mark 38-year-old Ryding's fifth and final Games. "I'm committed to doing one more year all in and seeing what we can achieve," he told BBC Sport. "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 still able to compete with the best, I still feel I can go all in. "I sit here with no niggles, no pains in my body, which is really rare in skiing. "I don't want the legs to fall off, it's not fun if the legs fall off mid-season. So while I still can, I'll do all I can to be the best in the world." To date, Ryding has achieved seven World Cup podium finishes, capped by his historic gold in the Kitzbuhel slalom. In the aftermath of that race, Ryding said he had "never stopped believing, never stopped trying" - encapsulating his"Northern grit"and determination to rise to the top of the sport, despite the odds being stacked against him. Unlike most of his global peers, Ryding was not brought up on snow. His first experience of skiing came as a six-year-old on a plastic dry slope in Pendle, Lancashire, while he did little training on snow until he was 13. He continued to race on the dry into his early twenties. He had a late breakthrough to the top circuit of the sport, earning his first World Cup points just a few weeks shy of his 26th birthday and not adding any more until two years later. It was in Kitzbuhel, Austria, that he stood on a World Cup podium for the first time with silver in 2017, while his most recent medal, a bronze, came in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, in December 2023. His best finish at the Olympics is ninth at Pyeongchang 2018, but Ryding feels he has "left something on the table" at the Games, where he will be watched by his nearly three-year-old daughter, Nina. "I think ninth is not a true reflection of my ability," he said. For one last season, Ryding will train with British team-mates Billy Major, 28, and Laurie Taylor, 29. They have big boots to fill, but follow tracks that have taken British skiing to a whole new level. "Hearing kids openly and talk normally about World Cup podiums, it almost makes me laugh, because this is nuts," said Ryding. "I don't necessarily go to a race thinking of podiums, but the next generation are certainly thinking that. "The belief that I've given to the next generation, I absolutely see it, and I'm really excited to see what that becomes for the next 20 years." With his Kitzbuhel gold in 2022, Ryding became the oldest man to win a World Cup slalom race at the age of 35 Dave's achievements in alpine skiing are an ode to his dedication, his perseverance and the passion that he has put into the grind, because he works incredibly hard. But his legacy in our sport supersedes his results. It's more about the spark of belief that he has ignited in the next generation. He's given young people from Britain the belief that they don't have to follow the model of coming from a wealthy background, skiing their whole life, to be the very best. He fought a huge amount of adversity growing up, he dedicated his life to Pendle dry ski slope and that's where he got the graft and the passion. And he only really went on to World Cup level in his twenties, which is unheard of in our sport. We always say you need a massive amount of volume on snow. But he made a new path. Historically in sport, we think that you've got to tick certain boxes along the way. Dave ticked the biggest box in our sport by winning in Kitzbuhel and he got there all of his own accord and all in his own way. I think that is the legacy I want him to be remembered for. It shows that our sport can be a lot more inclusive than people give it credit for. This video can not be played Emotional Ryding thanks wife after best ever Championship finish
Ryding to retire in 2026 after fifth Olympics
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Dave Ryding Announces Retirement Following 2026 Winter Olympics"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Dave Ryding, recognized as Britain's most successful alpine ski racer, has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Ryding, affectionately nicknamed 'the Rocket', made history in 2022 by becoming the first British alpine skier to clinch World Cup gold. His notable achievements include securing the best men's World Championship result for Britain since 1934, with a sixth-place finish earlier this year. As he prepares for his fifth and final Winter Olympics in February, Ryding expressed his commitment to making the most of his last competitive year. He emphasized his desire to retire while still in peak physical condition, noting that he currently feels great and is free of injuries, a rarity in the demanding sport of skiing. Ryding's career has been marked by resilience and determination, having achieved seven World Cup podium finishes, including his historic win at Kitzbuhel. He reflected on his journey, stating that he has “never stopped believing” in himself, a testament to his 'Northern grit' that has propelled him to the top of the sport despite facing significant challenges along the way.
Ryding's background is particularly inspiring, as he did not start skiing until later in life, initially training on a plastic dry slope in Pendle, Lancashire. Unlike many of his contemporaries who grew up skiing on snow, Ryding's late entry into the elite levels of the sport—where he began to earn World Cup points just weeks before his 26th birthday—highlights his unique path to success. His best Olympic finish came in Pyeongchang 2018, where he placed ninth, a result he believes does not reflect his true capabilities. As he gears up for his final season, Ryding will train alongside fellow British skiers Billy Major and Laurie Taylor, who are poised to carry forward the legacy he has built. Ryding's impact transcends his individual achievements; he has inspired a new generation of British skiers to believe in their potential, regardless of their backgrounds, and to aim for podium finishes in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by those with extensive resources. His legacy, as articulated by those in the sport, is one of inclusivity and possibility, demonstrating that success in alpine skiing can be achieved through hard work and determination, rather than following conventional pathways.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the upcoming retirement of Dave Ryding, a prominent figure in British alpine skiing. By announcing his retirement following the 2025-26 season, Ryding not only marks the end of an era for himself but also for British skiing, which has seen minimal success in the sport until his remarkable achievements. This news positions Ryding as an inspirational figure who defied the odds, aiming to resonate with both sports enthusiasts and the general public.
Purpose of the Announcement
The primary goal of this announcement seems to be to celebrate Ryding’s contributions to the sport while simultaneously preparing his fans and the skiing community for his departure. By framing it as a personal and emotional decision, the article seeks to evoke feelings of nostalgia and appreciation for Ryding’s accomplishments. The narrative emphasizes his dedication and resilience, aiming to inspire younger athletes and fans.
Public Perception
This news aims to foster a sense of pride within the British sporting community. Ryding’s journey from a non-traditional start to becoming a world-class athlete is a compelling story that can enhance national pride in sports. It encourages the perception of skiing as an attainable sport for those not raised in mountainous regions, potentially increasing interest in skiing among British youth.
Potential Omissions
While the article celebrates Ryding, it could be seen as downplaying the challenges faced by other British skiers or the broader landscape of alpine skiing in the UK. By focusing predominantly on Ryding’s achievements, it may inadvertently overlook systemic issues within the sport, such as funding and support for emerging skiers.
Manipulative Aspects
The article does not appear overtly manipulative, but it does use emotionally charged language to create a heroic image of Ryding. This can subtly influence public opinion, encouraging a narrative of triumph against adversity, which may gloss over the reality that not all athletes experience such success.
Comparison with Other News
This news connects to a broader trend in sports reporting that often highlights individual athletes' personal stories and journeys. By doing so, it aligns with the media's tendency to focus on human interest angles, which can foster emotional engagement with audiences.
Impact on Society and Economy
Ryding’s retirement could impact local ski industries and tourism, as his presence in the sport may attract visitors and sponsors. His legacy might inspire investments in winter sports in the UK, potentially leading to economic benefits in related sectors.
Target Audience
The article is likely to resonate more with sports enthusiasts, particularly fans of skiing, as well as those who appreciate stories of perseverance and success. It appeals to a broad audience, including younger athletes who may be inspired by Ryding’s journey.
Market Influence
While the news is unlikely to have a direct impact on stock markets or global economies, it could affect businesses related to winter sports, such as ski equipment manufacturers and tourism companies, as interest in skiing may increase with Ryding’s story.
Global Context
In the context of global sports, Ryding’s achievements contribute to the narrative of underrepresented nations excelling on the world stage. This aligns with current discussions on inclusivity and representation in sports.
AI Influence on Writing
It is plausible that AI tools were used in drafting this article, particularly in structuring the narrative or optimizing it for engagement. Elements such as the inspirational tone and the focus on Ryding’s personal journey may reflect AI's capability to identify and emphasize relatable themes in storytelling.
In conclusion, the article serves to celebrate Dave Ryding's athletic career while inspiring future generations, though it may also obscure broader challenges within the sport. Its emotional appeal and personal narrative are designed to engage readers and foster pride in British skiing.