Dave Ryding Is 7th Best Slalom Skier in the World
18th March 2024
Last modified on March 22nd, 2024
It is another amazing achievement from the skier they call ‘The Rocket’. PlanetSKI looks back at his season and ahead to the future.
On Sunday he came a very creditable 15th place in the final race of the season in Saalbach in Austria.
Austria has been a happy hunting ground for Dave, the UK’s greatest ever alpine skier, and he is well-known and well-loved in the country.
He posted his reaction after the race.
PlanetSKI’s editor James Cove is also in Austria and was following proceedings.
He reflects on Dave’s success this season and celebrates the current golden era for GB’s men’s slalom team.
You, too, can get a DR beanie, top hat or a ‘Rocket’-branded Union Flag, available only from Ski Racing Supplies.
Dave has competed for Great Britain in four Olympics, seven World Championships and has won the Europa Cup.
He has been on the slalom podium seven times and each season of the past four.
PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel met up with Dave back in January after the Schladming night slalom in Austria.
See here for here her full post and video interview with the man himself:
PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel with Dave Ryding in Schladming, Jan 2024. Image © PlanetSKI
GB Snowsport has also paid its tribute to Dave’s season saying, “From podium glory to consistent excellence, the 2023/2024 Slalom World Cup season has been one for the books for Dave Ryding.”
“Congratulations Dave on a season of incredible achievements!” it added.
And the question now on every GB ski racing fan’s lips is “Will Dave be carrying on next season?”
He is 37-years old, but skiing like a man of lesser years.
He has always said he will “ski until my legs fall off”.
Whatever decision Dave makes will be the right one as age takes its toll and he now has a young family.
Dave Ryding with wife Mandy and daughter Nina in Schladming Jan 2024. Image © PlanetSKI
And whatever decision he takes, his legacy remains.
GB’s best-ever alpine skier.
Period.
Related Articles:
There has been some reaction from readers over on the PlanetSKI Facebook page:
Pieter En Eline Vermeer: Fantastic what you can achieve with tenacity, dedication, belief in yourself, hard work and a beautiful family. Respect
Sarah Cullen: Amazing 
Janice Hughes: Fantastic Dave .. well done for coming 15th .. was so exciting to watch .. been great watching you this season
Guy Wotherspoon: Watched you in Cham. Well done on another great season.
