Team GB has clinched their first victory at the Winter Olympics as Matt Weston secured a gold medal in the men’s skeleton event. Weston, aged 28, was a key contender for Team GB in Milano Cortina and displayed a strong performance from the onset, leading after the initial two heats.
His first two heats clocked in at 56.21 and 55.88, culminating in an overall time of 1:52.09 heading into the second day. Subsequently, he continued his impressive streak with a remarkable time of 55.63 in the third heat.
The highlight of Weston’s performance was his final run, where he set a track record time of 55.61, leading to an emotional celebration with his teammate Marcus Wyatt and the Team GB coaching staff. This victory marked a significant achievement for Weston, who had finished in 15th place four years ago. In contrast, Wyatt, while showing improvement on the second day in Italy, concluded his campaign in seventh place with a total time of 3:45.77.
In a post-victory statement, Weston expressed the magnitude of his win, stating, “It means everything. It means a hell of a lot to me personally, I have worked so hard for this. Everyone back at home, my fiancée, 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.”
Weston’s triumph not only placed Team GB on the Winter Olympics medal table but also saw German athletes Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer secure silver and bronze medals, respectively. Reflecting on Weston’s performance, Lizzie Yarnold commented on his speed and quick decision-making under immense pressure.
Eve Muirhead, the Team GB chef de mission, praised Weston’s composure and skill, emphasizing the significance of his victory as the first medal for the team at the Olympics. Weston’s dedication and exceptional performance were acknowledged by his support team, highlighting the rigorous training and analysis that contributed to his success.