Team GB has achieved its first victory at the Winter Olympics with Matt Weston claiming gold in the men’s skeleton event. Weston, aged 28, was a top contender for Team GB in Milano Cortina and showcased a strong performance by leading after the initial two heats.
His first two heats clocked in at 56.21 and 55.88, resulting in an overall time of 1:52.09 going into the second day. Weston continued his impressive streak with a swift time of 55.63 in the third heat. The highlight was his final run, setting a track record with a time of 55.61, bringing him to tears of joy as he celebrated alongside teammate Marcus Wyatt and Team GB coaches.
This victory marked a significant comeback for Weston, who had finished 15th in the previous Winter Olympics. On the other hand, Wyatt improved his performance in Italy but settled for seventh place with a total time of 3:45.77.
In a heartfelt statement after his win, Weston expressed the magnitude of his achievement, emphasizing the dedication and sacrifices made by his loved ones to support his journey to success. Team GB finally secured a place on the medal standings at the Winter Olympics, with German athletes Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer clinching silver and bronze, respectively.
Lauding Weston’s performance, former Winter Olympic champion Lizzie Yarnold highlighted his exceptional speed and split-second decision-making under immense pressure. Team GB’s chef de mission, Eve Muirhead, commended Weston for his composure and exceptional performance, praising his resilience and the support system that contributed to his success.