Great Britain’s Winter Olympics campaign at Milano Cortina 2026 ignited on February 14 when Matt Weston stormed to men’s skeleton gold at Olimpia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The 28-year-old’s dominant performance—setting track records on all four runs—secured an overall time of 3:43.33, marking Team GB’s first medal of the Games. This historic victory not only ended Britain’s wait for a male winter Olympic gold since Christopher Dean’s 1984 ice dancing triumph but also established Weston as the first British man to claim skeleton Olympic gold.
A Masterclass of Precision and Power
Weston’s path to glory began with resilience. An early mistake in run one tested his focus, but he responded with a statement second run, building a 0.30-second overnight lead. Friday’s medal-deciding heats showcased perfection: a 55.63-second third run prompted celebrations, extending his advantage to 0.39 seconds.
Even with victory assured, Weston accelerated in the final run (55.61 seconds), finishing 0.88 seconds ahead of Germany’s Axel Jungk (silver) and 1.07 ahead of compatriot Christopher Grotheer (bronze, Beijing 2022 champion).
Emotional release followed: face buried in ice, then trademark double fist-pump toward family. “It means everything,” Weston told BBC Sport. “I’ve missed funerals, birthdays… Hopefully I made you proud.”
Teammate Marcus Wyatt finished ninth (3:45.77), unable to match Weston’s mastery on Cortina’s technical track.
From Near-Retirement to Global Dominance
Weston’s journey embodies perseverance. Debuting at Beijing 2022 with 15th place, Britain failed to medal in skeleton for the first time since 2002 reinstatement—a low prompting retirement thoughts.
Refocused mentality transformed results: 2023 world title (first British man in 15 years), silver in 2024, gold in 2025. First overall World Cup crown in 2024, then unmatched dominance—three consecutive titles, winning five of seven races this season.
Arriving as reigning world, European, and World Cup champion, pressure mounted. Yet enjoyment fueled success: “Standing in the gate with a chance to win was victory itself.”
Matt Weston’s Key Runs – Men’s Skeleton Final
| Run | Time (seconds) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Competitive | Early mistake; recovered strongly |
| 2 | Track record | Built overnight lead |
| 3 | 55.63 | Prompted celebrations |
| 4 | 55.61 | Victory lap; overall 3:43.33 |
Broader Team GB Context and Upcoming Events
Weston’s gold ends a medal-less opening week tipped for record success but marked by near-misses. He partners Amelia Coltman in the new mixed team event Sunday, alongside Wyatt and Tabitha Stoecker—overall World Cup winners this year.
This breakthrough injects momentum into Britain’s campaign across Milan and Cortina venues.
Weston’s Legacy in Skeleton
Redhill-born Weston joins legends like Amy Williams (2010 gold) in elevating British skeleton. His story—overcoming doubt to unrivalled excellence—inspires amid alpine skiing’s risks.
Milano Cortina 2026 celebrates innovation and courage; Weston’s triumph embodies both. As the Games continue to February 22, his gold signals potential for more British highlights.
