Kirsty Muir’s Heartbreak and Dave Ryding’s Olympic Farewell
The Winter Olympics witnessed a thrilling display of athleticism and determination, with British athletes Kirsty Muir and Dave Ryding delivering memorable performances. While Muir came agonizingly close to a medal in the big air competition, Ryding concluded his remarkable Olympic journey with a poignant farewell.
Kirsty Muir’s Near Miss in Big Air
Kirsty Muir experienced the rollercoaster of Olympic competition, coming within a hair’s breadth of securing a coveted medal. The 21-year-old from Aberdeen executed a stunning left double 1620, a feat of four and a half rotations, propelling her into medal contention. However, Italy’s Flora Tabanelli, competing with a torn ACL, landed an even more impressive version of the trick, scoring 94.25 points and snatching the bronze.
“It was a little bit bittersweet,” Muir admitted, reflecting on the outcome. “I didn’t know what she did, but I knew it bumped my score by a decent amount and therefore I really did have to go for it. I went for the 16 again but wanted to get a tail grab in there… I gave it my all and I’m taking that with me.”
Despite finishing fourth – her second fourth-place finish of the Games after the freeski slopestyle – Muir’s performance showcased her immense talent and courage. The competition, delayed by 75 minutes due to challenging weather conditions, saw Canada’s Megan Oldham claim gold (180.75), followed by China’s Eileen Gu (179) and Tabanelli (178.25).
Dave Ryding’s Final Olympic Run
For Dave Ryding, the Beijing Winter Olympics marked the end of an extraordinary career. The slalom skier competed in his fifth and final Games, finishing 17th in the men’s slalom in Bormio. While not the fairytale ending he envisioned, Ryding leaves a lasting legacy as Britain’s greatest skier.
“I said I would ski race until my legs fall off and I think they pretty much have,” Ryding joked, acknowledging the physical toll of the sport. His journey to the top was unconventional, starting on a 50m dry-ski slope in Pendle, Lancashire, dodging sheep and navigating less-than-ideal conditions.
Ryding’s 2018 World Cup victory in Kitzbühel was a watershed moment, proving that success was possible through dedication and a unique approach. Despite funding cuts from UK Sport in 2022, Ryding prioritized supporting his teammates, demonstrating his commitment to the future of British skiing.
“Five-time Olympian, World Cup winner – I really can’t ask for much more,” Ryding stated. He plans to remain involved in the sport, mentoring the next generation of British skiers and advocating for continued investment. He’s even set his sights on improving his parkrun personal best!
Team GB Curling Faces Challenges
Elsewhere, Team GB’s curling teams faced setbacks, with both the men’s and women’s teams losing crucial matches. The men lost 7-6 to Norway, while the women were defeated 6-10 by Switzerland, putting their semi-final hopes in jeopardy.
Learn more about the incredible journey of Dave Ryding: Eurosport – Dave Ryding’s Story
Read about Flora Tabanelli’s inspiring performance: NBC Olympics – Flora Tabanelli’s Triumph
