Matt Weston Secures Skeleton Gold for Great Britain at 2026 Winter Olympics
Matt Weston has clinched a spectacular gold medal in the men's skeleton event, delivering Great Britain's first podium finish at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina. The dual world champion showcased his exceptional skill and consistency throughout the competition, dominating from the very start and setting new benchmarks on the challenging track.
Dominant Performance from Start to Finish
Weston's victory was built on a foundation of remarkable precision and speed. He began his campaign on Thursday at the Cortina Sliding Centre by setting track records in both of his initial two runs, immediately establishing himself as the athlete to beat. His flawless technique and aggressive sliding style left competitors trailing in his wake as he carved his path towards Olympic glory.
Commanding Lead Maintained in Final Heats
Entering the final two heats on Friday, Weston held a combined time of one minute 52.09 seconds, placing him 0.3 seconds ahead of his closest rival, Germany's Axel Jungk. He further extended his advantage in the third run, clocking an impressive 55.63 seconds to set another new best time on the course. This performance increased his lead over Jungk to 0.39 seconds heading into the decisive final heat.
In the fourth and final run, Weston delivered a masterclass in composure and execution, increasing his margin of victory to a substantial 0.88 seconds. His consistent excellence across all four heats underscored his status as a world-class slider and ensured there was no doubt about the gold medal outcome.
Podium Finishers and British Celebration
Axel Jungk secured the silver medal for Germany, while his compatriot Christopher Grotheer took home the bronze, completing a German one-two in the standings behind Weston. The victory marks a significant achievement for British skeleton racing, building on the nation's strong tradition in winter sports and providing a thrilling start to their 2026 Olympic campaign.
Weston's gold medal triumph not only highlights his individual talent but also boosts Team GB's morale as they compete across various disciplines in Cortina. His dominant performance sets a high standard for British athletes and promises to inspire future generations of skeleton racers.
