Matt Weston: Skeleton pilot wins emphatic Olympic gold for first medal GB medal of games
BBC World
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Matt Weston secured an emphatic Olympic gold medal in skeleton racing at the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina, capping off a series of record-breaking performances that solidified his status as the world’s best skeleton racer. After setting track records on each of his four runs, Weston delivered a flawless final attempt, finishing with a time of 3:43.33 and creating an insurmountable lead. His victory not only marked Team GB’s first medal of the Games but also made history as the first British man to win an Olympic skeleton gold medal. Reflecting on his achievement, Weston expressed gratitude to his family and supporters for their unwavering support, acknowledging the sacrifices they had made over the years.
Weston’s dominance was evident throughout the competition, with his composure under immense pressure standing out as a key factor in his success. Despite being the heavy favorite, he faced significant expectations, particularly after Team GB’s disappointing performance at the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, where it failed to
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/13/2026