Team GB has made a triumphant start at the Winter Olympics with Matt Weston clinching gold in the men’s skeleton event. Weston, aged 28, was a top contender for Team GB in Milano Cortina and displayed an impressive performance by leading after the first two heats.
His initial two heats clocked in at 56.21 and 55.88, accumulating to an overall time of 1:52.09 going into the second day. In the third heat, Weston continued his strong showing with a noteworthy time of 55.63.
The highlight came in Weston’s final run, where he set a track record time of 55.61, leading to an emotional celebration with teammate Marcus Wyatt and Team GB coaches. This victory marked a remarkable comeback for Weston, who had finished 15th in the previous Winter Olympics.
Meanwhile, Wyatt improved significantly on the second day but ended up in seventh place with a total time of 3:45.77. The podium was completed by German athletes Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer who secured silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Reflecting on his win, Weston expressed the significance of the moment, stating, “It means a hell of a lot to me personally, I have worked so hard for this. Everyone back at home, my fiancee, my family, my friends, everyone that has sacrificed for me to be here. I have missed funerals, birthdays, everything for this moment and it feels amazing.”
Lauding Weston’s performance, former Olympic champion Lizzie Yarnold commented on his speed and split-second decision-making under intense pressure. Team GB chef de mission, Eve Muirhead, praised Weston’s composure and skill, highlighting the support and dedication that led to this historic achievement.
Weston’s victory not only secured Team GB’s place on the Winter Olympics medal table but also showcased the tremendous effort and resilience of the athletes competing at the highest level of winter sports.