Dave Ryding draws a line under it. © ANSA / GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO

Emotional ski interview: "Probably my last race"

The end of an Olympic cycle always means farewells and career endings. This year is no exception. A prominent ski star almost certainly competed in his last race at the slalom in Bormio.

February 17, 2026

From: leo

The slalom in Bormio was one of many emotional experiences. Here's the Atle Lie McGrath's frustrated departure since the Joy of the winner Loic Meillard. But it wasn't just the two protagonists of this race who were fighting back tears after it ended. It was also a special day for Dave Ryding, as he was likely pushing himself out of a starting gate for the last time.

“I’m not crying because I’m sad, but it’s very emotional,” said the Briton, who finished 17th, into the microphone of Eurosport“I said I’d ski until my legs fell off – and they did. It was probably my last race. Honestly, it’s about time.”

Ryding walks with his head held high.

With Ryding's retirement, who in 2022 became the first British skier to win a World Cup race in Kitzbühel, the ski circuit loses one of its most beloved figures. The 39-year-old not only paved the way for young British athletes to reach the World Cup with his successes, but also served as an inspiration to others. He leaves the ski scene with seven World Cup podium finishes and the aforementioned historic victory in Kitzbühel.

Dave Ryding bid farewell to the big stage. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

“I now have to find a new job to support my family,” Ryding jokes. “But I’m really looking forward to this new chapter. I’ll never look back on my career and wonder if I ended it too soon. I gave it my all until the very last second.”

It was an incredible journey with many highs. "And I met so many cool people on this journey – including my wife. It was tough, but the sport gave me so much. All the effort and hardship were worth it, because the good days outweighed the bad," Ryding concluded.