Lizzy Yarnold Overcome with Emotion as Matt Weston Secures Skeleton Gold
British Olympic legend Lizzy Yarnold fought back tears in the BBC studio on Friday, visibly moved after Matt Weston clinched a dominant skeleton gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. The 28-year-old Weston delivered Team GB's first medal of the event in Italy with a stunning performance, finishing nearly a second clear of his rivals.
A Historic Victory with Emotional Reactions
Weston's margin of victory, at 0.88 seconds, stands as the second biggest ever recorded in Olympic skeleton history. Double Olympic skeleton champion Yarnold, 37, was providing analysis of his triumph when she became overwhelmed with emotion, requiring comfort from presenter Clare Balding.
'It's a hugely emotional moment when you have that Olympic medal,' Yarnold said during the BBC coverage. 'I'm finding it a sliding doors moment that I can't believe we are here. I was so hoping for this moment...'
Yarnold then cupped her mouth as she struggled to hold back tears. 'I'm going to give you a break,' Balding said gently, allowing the Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 gold medallist time to compose herself.
Weston's Flawless Performance and Record-Breaking Runs
Earlier in the coverage, Yarnold had praised Weston's exceptional performance. 'Every single one of the four runs were absolute perfection. Incredibly impressive from Matt Weston,' she remarked. 'What stands out for me is each and every time Matt Weston stood at the start block he was looking down the track, he excelled, he accelerated, he was so focused. I really can't find the words to describe how incredibly impressed I am with his performance.'
Weston, supported by his fiancée Alex Howard-Jones and family in Cortina, entered the competition as the heavy favourite and maintained his lead from the very beginning. The 28-year-old clocked a combined time of 3:43.33, breaking his own track record after each successive run.
Breaking Records and Making History
This victory marks Weston as the first British man to win an individual Winter Olympics gold medal since figure skater Robin Cousins triumphed in Moscow back in 1980. Additionally, he is the first Team GB competitor ever to top the podium in the men's skeleton event at the Olympic Games.
'[It means] everything,' Weston, a former taekwondo and rugby player, told the BBC. 'It means a hell of a lot to me personally, I have worked so hard for this. Everyone back at home, my fiancee, my family, my friends, everyone that has sacrificed for me to be here. I have missed funerals, birthdays, everything for this moment and it feels amazing.'
He extended his gratitude to National Lottery players, acknowledging their support: 'Even if you're not part of my close circle, if you play the National Lottery you're supporting me as well so thank you so much. Hopefully I did you proud.'
Reflecting on the achievement, Weston added: 'I literally can't describe it. I've been fortunate enough to win World Championships, European Championships and other things as well and this blows them all out of the water. I can't describe the feeling. I almost feel numb.'
Celebrations with Loved Ones
Following the medal ceremony, Weston celebrated with his fiancée Alex Howard-Jones and his family. Howard-Jones expressed her pride, saying: 'I don't have any words. I told you that he'd get gold and he did. Couldn't be prouder of him.'
This emotional and historic moment not only highlights Weston's extraordinary talent and dedication but also underscores the profound impact of Olympic success on athletes and their supporters, as vividly demonstrated by Yarnold's heartfelt reaction.
