Team GB skeleton athlete Tabby Stoecker was visibly overcome with emotion during a live BBC interview after securing a gold medal in the mixed team event alongside men's individual champion Matt Weston at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. The 25-year-old, competing in her first Winter Games, repeatedly wiped her right eye as she spoke, describing herself as being in a state of shock following the historic victory.
A Dream Realised on the Olympic Stage
The duo posted a track record time of 1:59.36 in the skeleton mixed team event, with Weston overturning a 0.30-second deficit from Stoecker's run to triumph by a narrow margin of 0.17 seconds. This performance bettered the silver medals they had secured at the previous two World Championships, elevating their partnership to Olympic glory.
Weston Achieves Double Champion Status
Matt Weston maintained his exceptional form from the individual event held earlier in the weekend to become a double Olympic champion. This remarkable achievement places him in an elite category, as only two-time women's skeleton victor Lizzy Yarnold had previously accomplished such a feat for Team GB in the sport.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the medal ceremony, Stoecker expressed her disbelief at the outcome. "Thanks [Matt]. I can't believe it. No, like, it's a team effort, right? When Matt came down and we were in the green... I think I'm in shock!" she said, visibly emotional throughout the exchange.
The Journey to Olympic Gold
For Tabby Stoecker, this victory represents her first major world-level triumph. She entered British Skeleton through a talent identification programme called Discover Your Gold seven years ago, and has now fulfilled that potential on the grandest stage of all.
Weston reflected on his approach to the team event, stating: "Luckily, I felt like I kind of knew what I needed to do. Yesterday - not yesterday, the day before, it's all a bit of a whirlwind - when I had the individual event, I kind of took a load of confidence from that, and I just had to almost in my head be boring and get the job done. We've done it again!"
Post-Victory Reflections and Team Spirit
After collecting their medals, Stoecker shared her thoughts on the podium experience. "Being on the podium was everything that you dream of, but you're not sure is going to happen. This morning, I woke up trying to stay present and make it better than yesterday. For this outcome, I am so, so happy," she revealed.
She emphasised the strong bond within the British skeleton team, adding: "Our team is like family, and everybody has got each other's back. To do this event with the five people representing GB in skeleton has made it so special. We have created so many memories that are going to last forever."
Inspiring the Next Generation
Weston highlighted the inspirational aspect of their achievement, explaining: "Coming into this sport, I had no idea where it was going to take me; nine years later, I am a double Olympic champion, which is crazy. The main message is to grab everything you can with two hands, any opportunity that comes. There are two of us standing here with gold medals, and hopefully, we're inspiring the next generation of sliders."
Teammate Amelia Coltman echoed the sentiment of team unity, stating: "It has been special. We have been building for this moment for the past three or four years. Our bond is very unique, and I couldn't be prouder of the team."
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games continue through February 22, with Team GB celebrating this significant skeleton victory that has brought both gold medals and emotional moments to the forefront of their campaign.
