Keep calm and watch slalom
Ryding out to break GB’s medal duck
OUT Of the gloom of the past nine days comes a bolt of fluorescent optimism. The message sent from Dave Ryding to those watching Team GB crash, slip or otherwise fall short at Beijing 2022 is simple: ‘Keep calm and watch slalom.’
The chances of a medal, of any shade, are receding by the day, which is sharpening the possibility of Britain leaving an Olympics empty-handed for the first time in 30 years.
It is a good moment, then, to check in with Ryding, the most uplifting character among Britain’s delegation of 50 and indeed their flagbearer. He is happy to assume the role of standard-bearer, too.
He does not contest the slalom until Wednesday but going into the start of a new week, he is talking a fine game and is ready to absorb expectations from home in a ‘do-or-die’ mission to break the duck.
‘I guess you would have expected medals,’ he said. ‘It is what it is. We do our best and everyone is human, whether it is me or you. We are all made of the same stuff and if you spill your coffee in the morning that is like someone falling in a race.
‘It is easy to watch and delve on the negatives but a fourth (for the mixed curlers), a fifth for Kirsty Muir (big air) is not all doom and gloom. I’ve seen much worse situations. As Brits we stick together and we are a hardy nation. I might get a T-shirt done — “Keep calm and watch slalom”.’
Ryding (below) cannot really lose this coming week, having won his sport’s most prestigious race at Kitzbuhel last month. As the 35-year-old son of a market trader, his tale of learning to ski on a dry slope in Lancashire and becoming Britain’s first winner on the alpine skiing World Cup circuit is simply remarkable.
But it also means that any expectations on him ahead of competing this week might need to be tempered by the thought that not many folk buy winning lottery tickets in successive months, especially in such a volatile, unpredictable sport. Ryding said: ‘There have been six slaloms this year, six different winners, and on those six podiums there have been 14 people. One of those guys who had a podium has to finish 14th, you know? It is as simple as that but I know it is within me to win and I know I can be reassured I am in the form to do whatever on the day. ‘I have had a first, a fifth and a 20th. I will give it my all and the expectation is naturally going up and that is fine — that is because I am doing well.’
Ryding was ninth in Pyeongchang in 2018 and has no desire to merely match it in his fourth and final Olympic Games.
He added: ‘I have been good on all World Cup pistes — there is only one I haven’t had a top 10 on. I have proved myself on everything, so it is all about the day. I am in the mindset that I will have to do or die.
‘I had a ninth at the Olympics, I built my way here, and there is no point going for another ninth. I may as well try to go better.
‘With slalom the only way is to risk it. The winner will take it all and I have to go for it.’
Meanwhile, the men’s curling team, which is considered a strong medal shot, yesterday beat China 7-6 and then Denmark 8-2. Eve Muirhead’s women’s team crushed Denmark 7-2, improving their record to three wins from five. TV: Men’s slalom, Wednesday 2am and gold medal run at 5.45am LIVE on BBC1.