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.
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.
Weston's victory also represents another landmark achievement, as no British male athlete has ever previously won Olympic gold in skeleton.
The two-time world champion dominated proceedings on the Italian track, confirming his position as the sport's preeminent competitor on the global stage.
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Matt Weston won Team GB their first-ever gold medal in skeleton
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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, the Briton pushed even harder on what became a triumphant final journey.
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His third run of 55.63 seconds had already 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, crossing the line 0.88 seconds adrift of Weston's winning time.
Matt Weston made history in Britain by becoming the first British male to win gold in skeleton
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His compatriot Christopher Grotheer, who had won gold at the Beijing Games, took bronze with a deficit of 1.07 seconds to the champion.
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 following two World Cup victories during the current season, but found the demanding Cortina circuit difficult to master.
There was immense pride as God Save The King rang out for the first time in Milan at the Games this year, as Weston's parents cheered him on.
"[It means] everything. It means a hell of a lot to me personally, I have worked so hard for this," Weston said after winning gold.
"Everyone back at home, my fiance, my family, my friends, everyone that has sacrificed for me to be here.
Matt Weston beat the Germans to gold but there were good vibes all round
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"I have missed funerals, birthdays, everything for this moment and it feels amazing."
"Even if you're not part of my close circle, if you play the National Lottery you're supporting me as well so thank you so much. Hopefully I did you proud."