Matt Weston’s pursuit of speed shows no signs of slowing, even as he prepares for shoulder surgery following a remarkable Winter Olympics performance. Weston secured two skeleton gold medals at the Games in Cortina, dominating the men’s event with a commanding lead and powering through a challenging mixed team competition alongside Tabby Stoecker to claim victory.
Making history as the first British athlete to win two medals at the same Winter Olympics, Weston’s achievements are all the more impressive given he competed while managing a persistent shoulder injury. “I’m already scheduled for surgery once I’m back. I’ve dealt with this shoulder issue for over a year, but we waited until after the Games to avoid risking anything,” Weston explained.
The physical strain was significant. Weston admitted, “I haven’t been able to carry my sled much—not out of laziness but because it would physically break me. The team worked hard to get me into the right condition so I could compete.” Before the season, he also suffered a torn quad muscle, making his success even more extraordinary.
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Despite these setbacks, Weston remains driven for improvement. “I’m always looking for ways to go faster—not just physically but also in how I navigate the track. There’s still room to get quicker, which is thrilling,” he said. Weston and Stoecker’s celebrations at the Games lasted until 4 a.m., fueled by adrenaline and the joy of winning Olympic gold. “It still feels surreal to have both medals around my neck,” Weston shared, “and I’m not quite sure how life will change yet, as I’ve been keeping off social media and my phone.”
Skeleton’s profile has significantly risen thanks to their triumphs. Stoecker noted the increased recognition for the sport, often overshadowed outside the Olympic spotlight. “This moment isn’t just for us; it’s for everyone who might be inspired by it. I hope the impact lasts much longer than our careers,” she reflected.
The surge of interest is tangible, with the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association reporting around 3,500 new applicants for skeleton talent ID following their success. Weston expressed pride in their role in inspiring a new generation of athletes. “Knowing we’ve contributed to that journey makes this achievement even more special,” he said.