Double Olympic champion Matt Weston has opened up about the remarkable ripple effect of his stunning success at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, revealing an unexpected surge in interest for the skeleton sport, including from a septuagenarian applicant. Speaking from Crufts 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, the 29-year-old athlete shared insights into his post-victory life, media frenzy, and future plans.
A Nation Inspired by Golden Triumphs
Matt Weston soared to individual and mixed team skeleton gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics just weeks ago, becoming a household name overnight as Team GB's first ever male Olympic skeleton champion. This achievement also made him the joint most successful British Winter Olympian alongside fellow slider Lizzy Yarnold. Since his victories, British Bobsleigh and Skeleton have experienced an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm, with over 7,000 sign-ups for try-outs.
Unexpected Applicants and Legacy Building
Among the thousands of applicants, one particularly caught Weston's eye: a person over 70 years old who expressed interest in trying skeleton, a daredevil sport where athletes charge down an ice chute at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour. Weston admitted that while this septuagenarian is unlikely to join the elite programme for the French Alps 2030, such interest is both inspiring and humorous.
"We've obviously had some amazing success in skeleton in the past, but I really feel like the nation got behind us in Italy," Weston said. "It's been amazing to see the response. We've had over 7,000 applicants for bobsleigh and skeleton alone. It's crazy to be part of that legacy because the programme doesn't continue unless we have new athletes signing up."
He added, "There is obviously an age range of what we're looking for, but one of the sign-ups was someone who is over 70, which is amazing. I don't think they're going to quite get on the team, but something like that to me is really cool and kind of funny. I want to get them down to trial and just have fun and try it. I'm hoping that they misspelled 17, but a 70-year-old on the track would be great."
Post-Olympic Life and Media Frenzy
Weston's success has catapulted him into a whirlwind of media attention and unique opportunities. Recently, he enjoyed a personal rendition of Happy Birthday by mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, highlighting the celebrity status that comes with Olympic gold. His schedule includes a day out at Crufts 2026 and a planned trip to Ascot, as he makes the most of every opportunity that winning an Olympic medal brings.
Health Challenges and Recovery Plans
Despite the celebrations, the life of an elite athlete demands attention to physical well-being. Weston revealed that his body is still hurting from the intense competition, leading him to schedule double surgery. He has lined up a shoulder operation and a possible hip procedure, which he postponed until after the Games to address medically.
"My body's hurting a lot at the moment still," he confessed. "I've lined up a shoulder and possible hip operation, which I had been hanging onto until after the Games to sort out medically."
Dominance on the Track and Future Ambitions
Weston has dominated the skeleton circuit over the past few seasons, claiming world, European, and World Cup titles in the last 12 months alone. While he enjoys a break from rigid training schedules this summer, he remains focused on future competitions and the pursuit of more gold medals.
"I don't really have a plan at the moment, I'm kind of just seeing what I fancy doing," Weston said. "I took myself on a run this morning and I regretted it instantly. We're not endurance athletes, I just sprint for a very short time, but I thought I'll just see how it feels. My training's usually very rigid and I'm very organised with that sort of stuff, so for me to just rock up and do what I fancy is nice. I enjoy training, so it's not a chore for me."
About Crufts 2026
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and the loving relationship they share with their owners. The event is held from 5-8 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, offering a platform for dog enthusiasts and athletes like Weston to connect with the public.
