Ryding's heroics inspiring speed skater Treacy ahead of debut shot at Olympic Games

Dave Ryding's jet-heeled exploits are helping speed skater Niall Treacy gear up for Winter Olympic lift-off. 'The Rocket', 35, became the first British alpine skier to win World Cup gold on Saturday and alongside Treacy, will form part of Team GB's finalised 50-strong squad set for Beijing. Ad/> Nottingham-based Treacy, 21, is at the opposite end of his sporting career but loved watching Ryding make history by being crowned slalom king in Kitzbuhel.

Speed SkatingKersten's journey from speed skating fanatic to Winter Olympic history-maker3 HOURS AGO Treacy secured his Olympic debut after a similarly stunning performance at the Hungary World Cup and hopes absorbing 'inspirational' Ryding's insight can fire him to success in China. Treacy, who takes to the Beijing ice in the 1000m event on February 5th, said: «It's super inspirational. »Dave is 35 and he's at the top of his game — that's incredible.

To be the first British athlete to get the gold in the alpine is so incredible, especially just before the Games. «It's absolutely perfect timing. He's been the first one to set the example — it's been on Team GB's social media all over the place and it's the example of what the expectations are for a lot of the people going and looking to medal at these Games.

»Having that sort of environment really boosts your own performance. To have somebody like that at his age and the leader of the group who's been to multiple Olympics, it's good to have people like Dave in the team. «Dave's in the third village whereas we're in the city, so I'm not sure if we'll be allowed to see other sports.