Fuller labels Ryding 'GOAT of the North' after Olympic run inspires next generation

DAVE RYDING is the undisputed ‘GOAT of the North’ and should serve as an inspiration to the next generation of burgeoning British snowsport talent, reckons former Olympic snowboard star Aimee Fuller.

Fuller, who represented Team GB at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, was speaking at Ryding’s local Ski Slope in Pendle on Wednesday morning to support the alpine ace’s bid for Beijing glory and celebrate National Lottery players' key role in funding British athletes.

Ryding finished 13th in the slalom event as the whole of Lancashire proudly watched on, with the 35-year-old – who became the first British alpine skier to win World Cup gold in Kitzbuhel last month - once again showcasing his long-term passion for competing for Team GB, representing the region and cementing his status as a true local legend.

And speaking to celebrate the millions of pounds raised by National Lottery players for elite and grassroots community sport, Fuller couldn’t have been more enthused about the Pride of Pendle’s trailblazing exploits in helping capture the imagination of aspiring skiers back home.

Fuller, 30, said: “I love Dave Ryding – I call him the GOAT of the North!

“I think what he’s achieved is incredible. Alpine skiing is so tough, there’s such fine margins and he really is one of the best in the world.

“I think one of the most incredible things about Dave is seeing how he’s progressed with age - but his performance has only got better and better. The fact he’s achieved a World Cup victory at the age of 35 really is something special.

“He’s so humble and he’s made huge waves in British skiing – it’s unbelievable when you look at his career what he’s achieved. Coming from a dry slope in Pendle to an Olympian is mad.

“What’s interesting