Dave Ryding can pinpoint the exact moment he first dreamed of competing at a Winter Olympics.

"It was actually in a religious education lesson. I'm not sure I was paying enough attention to the teacher. "

On Monday, that daydreaming lad from Lancashire raced at his fifth and final Olympics, his retirement imminent at the age of 39 after a career that has cemented his place as Britain's greatest Alpine skier.

Ryding - known as 'the Rocket' - finished 17th in the slalom in Bormio, lower than he and anyone would have hoped for but getting to the finish line was a challenge in itself.

The first run was held in torrid conditions and he was one of only 46 skiers - out of 96 starters - to complete it amid heavy snowfall.

While conditions had vastly improved for the second run, with the loose snow cleared and blue skies overhead, he could not make up enough time to challenge for a higher finish, his ninth spot from 2018 remaining his best Olympic result.

But Ryding still took his moment, bowing after crossing the line.

"I really tried everything right until my last turn," he told BBC Sport.

"I was quoted on the BBC as saying I would ski until my legs fell off and I kind of feel like they have this year. "One season maybe too many, but I had to give it a go. I really went in as always and I'm proud

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