LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Drawing comparisons to a commanding lead in football or basketball, or a knockout opportunity in boxing, British athlete Matt Weston dominates the world skeleton championships after his first pair of runs, boasting a lead of 0.89 seconds. This seemingly slim margin, however, is substantial in the world of sliding sports, where mere hundredths often separate winners, making it a significant advantage as he competes at Mount Van Hoevenberg.
“On his day, he’s nearly unbeatable,” observed British teammate Marcus Wyatt, who occupies the runner-up position at the halfway point of the competition. Weston’s exceptional performance on Thursday suggests that Friday could also see a victorious outcome for the two-time defending World Cup champion, as he needs to maintain his momentum through two more runs to claim his second world title. Given his current gap, only a significant mishap could deny him the championship.
Despite the favorable position, Weston remains cautious and focused. “It’s not a bad day,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus over the four heats spanning two days. “But I’ve had enough experience now racing four heats over two days to know I can’t take my foot off the gas. … There’s more in there.”
In the competition for podium positions, Germany’s Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer are in pursuit, occupying third and fourth places respectively. With times of 1:50.03 and 1:50.05, they trail behind, while Wyatt, Jungk, and Grotheer seem poised to vie for the silver medal with the upcoming runs potentially serving as a precursor for Olympic events slated for next winter at this venue, should Italy’s new facility fail to be ready in time.
Chinese contenders Yin Zheng and Chen Wenhao are positioned in fifth and sixth, respectively. Meanwhile, Austin Florian from the U.S. currently ranks seventh, having tied a longstanding start record at Mount Van Hoevenberg with an impressive push of 4.70 seconds at the start. “I knew it had it in me,” Florian confessed. “I was just wondering when it was going to come out.”
As the men’s events unfold, eyes also turn to the commencement of the women’s skeleton world championship, where the initial two runs are scheduled for later Thursday.
