Team GB has achieved its first victory at the Winter Olympics as Matt Weston claimed the gold medal in the men’s skeleton event. Weston, aged 28, was a key contender for Team GB in Milano Cortina and displayed a strong performance from the outset, leading after the initial two runs. His times of 56.21 and 55.88 in the first two heats totaled 1:52.09 before the final day, where he further impressed with a time of 55.63 in the third heat.
The pinnacle of Weston’s success came in his last run, setting a new track record with a time of 55.61. Overwhelmed with emotion, Weston celebrated his historic win alongside teammate Marcus Wyatt and Team GB coaches. This victory marked a remarkable comeback for Weston, who finished 15th in the previous Olympics. Wyatt, on the other hand, improved significantly on the second day in Italy but secured a seventh-place finish with a combined time of 3:45.77.
In a post-victory statement, Weston expressed the significance of his achievement, emphasizing the sacrifices he and his support system had made for this moment. With this win, Team GB has finally secured a spot on the Winter Olympics medal table. Meanwhile, German competitors Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer claimed the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Commenting on Weston’s performance, Lizzie Yarnold highlighted his speed and split-second decision-making, noting the intense physical and emotional demands of the sport. Eve Muirhead, Team GB’s chef de mission, lauded Weston for his composure under pressure and his exceptional performance, affirming his status as a top-tier athlete.