Matt Weston, British Skeleton World Champion and University of Bath athlete, has made a stellar start to the 2026 Winter Olympic season by clinching gold at the Cortina d’Ampezzo sliding centre in Italy. This victory marks a successful launch to the 2025-26 IBSF World Cup campaign on the very track set to host the Milano-Cortina Games in February.
Despite nursing a hamstring injury that limited his pre-season training, Weston delivered two impressive runs to secure first place, demonstrating remarkable skill and resilience. His start times ranked 24th and 18th in the field, yet his expert navigation of the challenging 16-corner course propelled him to the top, earning his 21st podium in the last 25 races.
Weston commented to the BBC, “I’m not able to push at anywhere near my usual pace but I feel like I’ve really clicked with the track and that showed. Starting 24th and then 18th but still winning proves my sliding was on point, even with less ice time due to injury. It’s an amazing venue and an interesting track, and I’m eager to return in February for the big event.”
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Alongside Weston’s triumph, British Skeleton also celebrated success in the mixed team event—a discipline making its Olympic debut—where Tabby Stoecker and Marcus Wyatt took top honors.
The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) operates out of the University of Bath, a UK Sport-accredited Elite Training Centre. Athletes benefit from unique facilities including the UK’s only outdoor push-start track, as well as an indoor sprint track and gym at the Sports Training Village, supporting their journey to international competition.