Quick Read
- Dave Ryding, 39, is competing in his fifth and final Winter Olympic Games at Milano Cortina 2026.
- He completed a solid first run in the men’s slalom on Monday, February 16, 2026, with the second run scheduled for 12:30 GMT.
- Ryding is Britain’s most successful alpine skier, with seven World Cup podiums and a historic Kitzbühel victory in 2022.
- Known as ‘The Rocket’, he began skiing on dry slopes and will retire at the end of the current season.
- He plans to spend more time with his wife Mandy and daughter Nina after retirement.
MILANO CORTINA (Azat TV) – Great Britain’s most successful alpine skier, Dave Ryding, has begun his final Winter Olympic appearance, competing in the men’s slalom event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. The 39-year-old veteran, affectionately known as ‘The Rocket’, delivered a solid first run on Monday, February 16, 2026, as he embarks on his fifth and ultimate Olympic campaign before concluding his illustrious 17-year career.
Ryding’s participation in the 2026 Games holds significant weight, not only for his nation but also personally, as he prepares to retire at the end of the current season. His performance in the slalom, a discipline where he has consistently defied expectations, is closely watched as fans and fellow competitors acknowledge the end of an era for the British skier who honed his skills on dry slopes.
Ryding’s Solid Start in Final Olympic Slalom
Dave Ryding showcased his enduring skill during the first run of the men’s slalom event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. While specific timings were not immediately available, BBC Sport confirmed that both Ryding and fellow Team GB skier Billy Major produced ‘solid first runs,’ setting the stage for the crucial second run scheduled for 12:30 GMT. The Olympic course at Bormio demands absolute commitment, with skiers reaching speeds of 35-40mph while navigating a series of tight turns.
This event marks Ryding’s fifth consecutive Winter Olympic appearance, a testament to his remarkable longevity and dedication to a sport traditionally dominated by Alpine nations. His journey from a dry ski slope in Pendle, Lancashire, to the pinnacle of international skiing has been widely hailed as one of modern sport’s most compelling underdog stories, as highlighted by Sky Sports.
A Distinguished Career: ‘The Rocket’s’ Legacy
Dave Ryding’s career has been defined by groundbreaking achievements and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Born on December 5, 1986, in Chorley, Lancashire, he started skiing at a dry slope at the age of six or eight. This unconventional beginning did little to hinder his progress, as he was selected for the British Alpine team in 2005 and made his World Cup debut in 2009.
Over his career, Ryding has amassed seven World Cup podium finishes. His most historic moment came in January 2022 when he clinched victory in the slalom at the Alpine World Cup in Kitzbühel, Austria. This monumental win made him the first British skier in 55 years to win gold at the prestigious event, solidifying his status as Britain’s most successful alpine skier, as reported by The Sun.
On the Olympic stage, Ryding has represented Great Britain at Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, and Beijing 2022, prior to his current appearance in Milano Cortina. His best individual Olympic result was a ninth-place finish in the slalom at PyeongChang, which was then the strongest performance by a British alpine skier in three decades. He further demonstrated his consistent top-tier ability with a sixth-place finish at the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach, marking Britain’s best men’s result since 1934.
Beyond the Slopes: Retirement and Family Life
Following the conclusion of his Olympic campaign and the remainder of the current season, Dave Ryding plans to retire from professional skiing. His decision is driven by a desire to dedicate more time to his family, including his wife Mandy Dirkzwager, a former Dutch skier, and their daughter Nina, who was born in June 2022. The couple, who married in May 2022 after postponing their wedding due to the pandemic, also co-own Boskins cafe in Tarleton, near Southport, which serves a popular ‘Rocket Ryding Breakfast’.
Ryding’s retirement marks a significant transition for British alpine skiing. His ability to compete at the highest level for nearly two decades, despite Britain’s limited snow-sport infrastructure, has inspired a generation and proved that success in alpine disciplines is achievable for athletes from non-traditional skiing nations. His impact extends beyond medals, having fundamentally shifted perceptions of British competitiveness on the global ski circuit.
Dave Ryding’s enduring presence and remarkable achievements have not only elevated British alpine skiing to unprecedented heights but have also provided a compelling narrative of perseverance, showcasing that dedication can overcome geographical and historical disadvantages in elite winter sports.