Matt Weston wins Olympic gold in skeleton at Cortina
Matt Weston has written his name into British sporting history by claiming Olympic gold in the skeleton at Cortina, delivering Team GB’s opening medal of the 2026 Winter Games, reports BritPanorama.
The 28-year-old’s triumph marks the first time a British man has stood atop a winter Olympic podium since Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill captured ice dancing gold back in 1984. His victory represents a landmark achievement, as no British male athlete has ever previously won Olympic gold in skeleton.
Weston established his superiority by breaking the track record on every single descent down the Cortina course, completing his final run in 55.61 seconds to post a combined time of 3:43:33. Rather than protecting his substantial 0.39-second advantage heading into the last heat, he pushed even harder on what became a triumphant final journey.
His third run of 55.63 seconds sparked celebrations among the Union Jack-clad supporters lining the track. After crossing the finish line, the normally composed athlete finally let his emotions show, pressing his face into the ice before performing his signature double fist-pump towards watching family and friends.
Germany’s Axel Jungk claimed the silver medal, finishing 0.88 seconds adrift of Weston. His compatriot Christopher Grotheer, gold medallist at the Beijing Games, earned bronze with a deficit of 1.07 seconds. However, British hopes of a second medal were dashed as Marcus Wyatt could only manage ninth place overall, recording a combined time of 3:45:77. Wyatt had entered the competition as a genuine podium threat after two World Cup victories this season but struggled on the demanding Cortina circuit.
As the dust settles on this remarkable performance, it highlights not just Weston’s achievement but also the evolving landscape of British winter sports. It serves as a reminder that history is often written at the most unexpected moments, with the spirit of competition providing not only medals but also inspiration for future athletes.
