Team GB will go before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday in a dispute over skeleton helmets at the Winter Olympics. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) has deemed the new aerodynamic racing helmets, featuring ridges, illegal under current regulations.
The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) has lodged an appeal against the decision. A CAS Ad Hoc Division panel will hear the case one day before the opening ceremony and just over a week before the men's skeleton competition begins on February 12.
The British skeleton team is among Team GB's strongest medal prospects, following a dominant 2024-25 season. Matt Weston won overall World Cup gold and Marcus Wyatt silver, with the pair winning all seven races between them. Tabby Stoecker and Amelia Coltman also medalled in the women's competition.
The BBSA, who trialled the new helmets in Switzerland last week, are said to be relaxed about the hearing. If the appeal fails, they will revert to the equipment used during their successful World Cup campaign.
This is not the first time British skeleton equipment has faced scrutiny. In 2010, a protest over Amy Williams' helmet ridges was dismissed, and in 2018, rival teams questioned the legality of skin suits worn by Lizzy Yarnold, Laura Deas and Dom Parsons.
