Matt Weston's Historic Winter Olympics Triumph
Team GB's Matt Weston has cemented his place in history with a stunning performance at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, securing two gold medals in skeleton. The 28-year-old athlete dominated the competition, becoming the first British competitor to win two golds at a single Winter Games. His victories in the individual and mixed team events have propelled him to overnight celebrity status, with appearances on breakfast radio shows to celebrate his achievements.
The Unorthodox Question on Radio X
During an interview on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Weston faced a surprising and candid question from a listener. Host Chris Moyles inquired on behalf of the audience whether Weston had ever sustained genital injuries while racing down the skeleton track at speeds reaching 126 km/h (78mph). Laughing off the unexpected query, Weston responded, "What a question! I've been very, very fortunate not to, but I know a few people who have landed wrong and it's quite... You can't obviously then stop; we have no brakes." He added, "So, you kind of have to stay uncomfortable down the run. But, yeah, I've never been asked that live on radio before!"
Serious Injuries and the Risks of Skeleton
Despite avoiding such specific injuries, Weston has not been immune to the dangers of skeleton. He revealed that he broke his back three years ago, highlighting the sport's inherent risks. In a statement to the BBC, Weston acknowledged, "Skeleton isn't the safest of sports, but it's a hell of a lot of fun when you get it right." However, he remains an advocate for the sport, encouraging others to get involved. "The sport runs off people applying, giving it a shot and taking the opportunity with both hands," he said, reflecting on his own journey from taekwondo and rugby to skeleton.
Pathway to Success Through Talent Identification
Weston's entry into skeleton was facilitated by the UK Sport talent identification programme, Discover Your Gold, in 2017, after a weightlifting coach encouraged him to apply. Similarly, his mixed team partner, Tabitha Stoecker, who finished fifth in the women's skeleton finals, discovered the sport through an Instagram advertisement for the same programme. Stoecker shared, "I did flying trapeze, acrobatics, and I absolutely loved the performance element of it all. I saw an advert on Instagram for Discover Your Gold Talent ID process and got selected for skeleton, and I guess the rest is history."
Team GB's Overall Success in Cortina
Weston's gold medals contributed to a remarkable day for Team GB, following Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale's victory in the snowboard cross mixed team event. This collective success has boosted morale and spotlighted British athletes on the global stage. Weston's story underscores the blend of talent, opportunity, and resilience required to excel in high-risk winter sports, making his achievements all the more inspiring for aspiring athletes.
