Team Great Britain has entered the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics with high aspirations, targeting a medal tally of four to eight. This ambitious goal comes as they look to surpass their previous best of five medals, achieved in both Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018.
High Hopes for Skeleton
Matt Weston, a two-time world champion in skeleton, stands as a key contender for Team GB. He has also won the Crystal Globe for three consecutive years, an accolade similar to that of snowsport’s Champions League. Weston expressed that while being a favorite adds pressure, it also brings confidence. “It’s not just a one-off season. It’s been an amazing few years”, he stated.
Weston’s teammate Marcus Wyatt, ranked third in the world, is also expected to perform well. They both agree that skeleton deserves more recognition outside the Olympic cycle. Weston noted, “It’s a shame that people only tune into our sport every four years.”
Challenges of Skeleton
- The sport involves navigating icy tracks at speeds around 90 mph.
- Most athletes in skeleton have faced serious injuries, which can deter others.
- Overcoming the fear of crashing is part of the thrill of the sport.
Team GB’s Curling Ambitions
Following a historic gold medal win in curling by Eve Muirhead’s team in Beijing, the men’s team, led by Bruce Mouat, is now in focus. Mouat’s squad has claimed consecutive world championships and is currently ranked world number one. “This is new territory for a team to be this dominant,” he commented, as they prepare for a gold medal run.
Other Contenders for Team GB
Several athletes across various disciplines are eyeing medals. Notable mentions include:
- Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson in ice dance, striving for the first British medal in the event since 1981.
- Zoe Atkin and Kirsty Muir in freestyle skiing’s big air and slopestyle events.
- Mia Brookes, who has shown remarkable form with seven podium finishes in 2025, competing in snowboard slopestyle.
Upcoming Events
The opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics is set for Friday. However, the mixed curling event featuring Mouat and teammate Jen Dodds kicks off the Olympics on Wednesday. Team GB is poised for a competitive outing, with numerous athletes ready to make their mark.
