Matt Weston is embracing the pressure as he aims to capture Olympic gold in skeleton at these Games. The 28-year-old British athlete begins the competition as the overwhelming favourite, carrying not only his own ambitions but also the hopes of a nation and the significant investment made by UK Sport in winter sports.
Weston, a two-time world champion and two-time European titleholder, kicks off the event with the first run at 8:30 am today, followed closely by teammate Marcus Wyatt. Despite several near-misses for Team GB in other events, Weston’s consistent performance and recent dominance on the World Cup circuit position him as Team GB’s best medal prospect in skeleton.
However, challenges have emerged off the ice track. A dispute over a new helmet design saw officials prohibit its use, with an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport subsequently rejected. Meanwhile, rival teams have introduced upgraded equipment, raising concerns that Weston and his teammates could face a technological disadvantage.
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Undeterred by controversy, Weston—who trains at the University of Bath—has clocked the fastest times in three of four practice runs, showing remarkable composure and confidence. “I have had pressure for the past few years," he said. “Not necessarily external pressure, but internal. Every time I stand at the top of the start line, I’m there for one reason only—to win. After the past few seasons, I’m more confident than ever to deliver. The pressure has to be higher, but so is my confidence. I like the pressure. I’m having a good time. I’m having fun. That’s when I slide my fastest.”
The skeleton competition spans two days, with two runs scheduled this morning and two more on Friday evening. As Weston focuses on his pursuit of gold, the event itself has been shadowed by controversy involving Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. The IOC prohibited Heraskevych from wearing a helmet honoring victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, citing Olympic Charter regulations. Instead, he will wear a black armband as a tribute.
Heraskevych expressed deep disappointment, stating, “A decision that simply breaks my heart. The feeling that the IOC is betraying those athletes who were part of the Olympic movement, not allowing them to be honoured on the sports arena… Despite precedents, this time special rules were set for Ukraine.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly thanked Heraskevych for “reminding the world of the price of our struggle.”
As the Olympic skeleton event unfolds, all eyes are on Matt Weston—confident, focused, and ready to etch his name in Olympic history.