Switzerland's Loic Meillard claimed gold in the men's slalom at the World Championships, marking a significant victory for the Alpine nation. The dramatic win came as Team GB's Dave Ryding finished 17th in his fifth and final Games appearance.

Meillard's triumph represents a breakthrough moment in his career, as he overcame a competitive field to secure Switzerland's top position on the podium. The victory adds to Switzerland's storied history in Alpine skiing, where the nation has consistently produced world-class talent in technical disciplines like slalom.

For Ryding, this marked the conclusion of his Olympic journey in what was announced as his final Games. The 37-year-old British skier, who has been a prominent figure in Alpine skiing for over a decade, couldn't match his career-best performances but still competed strongly in his swan song appearance. The contrast between Meillard's gold and Ryding's 17th place underscores the competitive nature of elite Alpine skiing at the highest level.