Day seven of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina delivered a whirlwind of emotions, historic triumphs, and a glimpse into the future of British skeleton. While the world’s eyes were fixed on the drama unfolding across the ice and snow, it was Great Britain’s Matt Weston who seized the spotlight, capturing the men’s skeleton gold medal and securing his nation’s first medal of these Games. But the story didn’t end there—the women’s skeleton team, brimming with camaraderie and ambition, made their own waves as they took on the icy challenge in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Matt Weston’s journey to Olympic gold was nothing short of spectacular. On February 13, 2026, he not only claimed the top prize in men’s skeleton but did so in dominant fashion, setting four consecutive track records during his runs. As the Union Jack was raised and cheers echoed from the British contingent, Weston stood in disbelief, reflecting on the surreal nature of his achievement. Speaking to BBC Sport moments after his victory, he shared, “I don’t know whether it is real. It feels like a bit of a blur to be honest. I’ve been looking at the photos since they released the medals and that’s all I’ve been working towards—me, the team, they’ve all got a slice of this medal. Thank God it is so heavy because it is going to have to go round! I don’t know how to describe the feeling—how do you describe the feeling that I’ve just become Olympic champion?”
Weston’s story is one of perseverance and rapid ascent. Just nine years ago, he wasn’t even involved in skeleton. Now, with two world championships and an Olympic gold to his name, he’s become a beacon for British winter sports. “Just grab any opportunity with both hands,” he advised. “You’ve got to take every opportunity you can and try and make the most of it and you might be here chatting to BBC as well!”
His last run, which sealed the gold, was described by Weston as “pretty nice,” though ever the perfectionist, he admitted there were still things he’d like to tidy up. “To say I got four track records in a row is pretty crazy—I only found out that last one was a track record in the last interview I did. It has been a bit of a whirlwind. I was too busy crying to see the numbers!”
Behind every champion is a support network, and Weston was quick to credit his family and fiancée for their unwavering encouragement. “People back at home, they are the rock that have kept me going. Skeleton isn’t a glamorous sport—we don’t get paid like footballers do but we make the most of it. When I’m away for six months of the year, my fiancée is one that is there supporting me whether I’ve won, lost, crashed, set a track record. My whole family to be honest, everyone back home, I love you all and thank you so much.”
While Weston’s gold was a cause for celebration, the women’s skeleton team from Great Britain was quietly making its own mark. The trio—Tabitha Stoecker, Amelia Coltman, and Freya Tarbit—entered the Milano Cortina Ice Challenge with high hopes and a deep sense of unity. Their journey to the Olympic stage has been defined by friendship, mutual respect, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the past two seasons, each has notched World Cup victories, and their collective experience has fostered an environment where support and honesty reign supreme.
Freya Tarbit expressed her gratitude for the team’s special bond, stating, “We’re so fortunate. Amelia and Tabby are my best friends.” Amelia Coltman echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unique atmosphere within the British squad: “What we have is so strong.” This closeness, they believe, sets them apart from other nations and provides a foundation for success both on and off the track.
The lead-up to the Olympic competition saw the trio undergo rigorous training runs in Cortina. Tabitha Stoecker, in particular, shone brightly, finishing in the top three throughout the sessions and even leading two of them. Coltman showed marked improvement with each run, while Tarbit maintained a steady presence within the top ten. As first-time Olympians, the excitement and nerves were palpable, but their preparation and camaraderie helped steady the ship.
Stoecker’s rise in the sport has been especially noteworthy. She became the first British woman in over a decade to earn a World Cup overall skeleton medal, clinching a bronze and two silvers in individual events. Heading into the Games, expectations for Stoecker were high, and she embraced the pressure with grace. “It is a privilege to have such recognition,” she reflected, aiming to perform her best and leave the event feeling proud—hoping for a result that would bring her immense joy.
As the competition unfolded on February 13, Stoecker finished the first two runs in fifth place, with Tarbit close behind in sixth. Smiling as she arrived at the finish in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Stoecker embodied the spirit of a competitor relishing her Olympic debut. The British women’s skeleton team’s journey was far from over, with the mixed team event looming and aspirations still burning bright.
The day was not without its share of controversy and heartbreak elsewhere on the ice. Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych saw his appeal dismissed after disqualification for wearing a helmet honoring compatriots—a poignant reminder of the intersection between sports and national pride. Meanwhile, Team GB’s curling squads faced tough losses, with the women falling 9-3 to South Korea and the men narrowly edged 9-7 by Italy on the final stone.
Elsewhere at the Games, the figure skating arena was rocked by an unexpected result. USA’s Ilia Malinin, widely tipped for gold, faltered during his free skate and finished a shocking eighth. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov seized the moment, delivering a flawless performance to claim his country’s first Winter Olympic gold since 1994. The arena was left stunned as the “quadgod” Malinin was dethroned, with Japanese skaters Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato rounding out the podium.
On the ice hockey rinks, the action was still ongoing as Canada led Switzerland 3-1 in men’s Group A, and the USA dominated Italy 6-0 in the women’s quarter-final, out-shooting the hosts by a wide margin. These ongoing battles added to the day’s electric atmosphere, with fans eagerly awaiting more twists and turns.
With eight gold medals up for grabs on day eight and Great Britain’s curlers set to return to action, the Olympic narrative is far from written. But for now, Matt Weston’s golden run and the women’s skeleton team’s inspiring debut have given British fans plenty to cheer about. The spirit of unity, resilience, and ambition that defines this squad suggests their story is just getting started—and with the world watching, anything feels possible for Team GB on the ice in Milan-Cortina.