PyeongChang is new challenge for Weston
Matt Weston might be the reigning Overall World Cup Champion and Britain’s most decorated men’s skeleton slider for 16 years but this weekend’s racing will be a completely new experience even for him.
Weston won the Overall World Cup title in dramatic fashion in the final race of last season to become the first British man to claim the overall crown since Kristan Bromley in 2008.
The 27-year-old has now won three of the sport’s four major titles, having secured World Championship and European Championship gold in 2023, but Saturday’s season opener takes him to a place where he’s never even been before.
The season starts in South Korea as the sport’s top circuit returns to the home of Great Britain’s triple Olympic medal winning success in 2018 and - just like three of his five British team mates - Weston has never raced in PyeongChang.
“It’s exciting to be starting the season here, somewhere I’ve never been before and somewhere GB had massive success at the Olympics when I was just starting out,” said Weston.
It’s a little bit weird being here in PyeongChang - I’ve seen so many videos of the finish area from the Olympics but seeing it in person is slightly surreal.
"I watched Lizzy (Yarnold), Laura (Deas) and Dom (Parsons) on TV when they won medals here in 2018 and that definitely gave me the belief that I could have a chance of doing the same if I put the work in.
“The first runs here weren’t as relaxing as I was hoping they would be! The track took me by surprise a bit on those first training runs but I think I’m getting used to it now and I think I’m starting to really enjoy it. I’ll let you know after the race!”
Weston has had lots of success but he's never even been to PyeongChang
Weston’s pre-season schedule was disrupted significantly when he suffered a hamstring injury partway through the summer programme.
It was hardly the ideal preparation for a jam-packed sliding season that starts with three World Cup competitions in Asia this month before moving to Europe for two more races prior to Christmas.
But Weston is now well versed in not worrying about the things outside of his control and the work he put in over the last few months either side of the injury means he’s in a good place ahead of the defence of his title.
“Summer training went well, although it was pretty annoying to get a grade three hamstring tear 10 weeks before pre-season sliding started,” added Weston.
The injury wasn't ideal! Rehab’s going well, though, and I feel in good shape going into the start of the season.
“We’re working on a lot of stuff and I feel like I’ve made progress off the ice from the year before. I’m excited to get back out there. Having the first three races in Asia (two in PyeongChang and one in Beijing) means it’s a bit different to what we’re used to and that makes it more challenging and more exciting at the same time.
"We’re building up towards the World Championships in Lake Placid in February and I’ve still got big goals for this season.”
PyeongChang hosts a double header to start the new World Cup campaign, with men’s and women’s race on both Saturday and Sunday.
The women’s races begin at 7am GMT on both days, with the men’s following from 11am.
You can watch the action live via the IBSF website or YouTube channel and follow the results and reaction on the BBSA’s Facebook, Instagram and X accounts.
There is no World Cup bobsleigh action this week or next as the circuit hasn’t travelled to Asia. The World Cup bobsleigh season instead starts in Altenberg, Germany on December 7th.
