Matt Weston Wins Skeleton World Cup – Lillehammer IBSF 🥇

Great Britain’s Matt Weston continues his dominant start to the IBSF World Cup skeleton season, securing victory in Lillehammer and maintaining an undefeated record this Olympic winter. This win isn’t just a continuation of form; it signals Weston’s intent to solidify his position as the favorite heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics, building momentum after a strong showing last season. More significantly, the race marked a return to form for several athletes who’ve been struggling to recapture their peak performance, hinting at a potentially tightening competition throughout the season.

Skeleton, a discipline demanding both athleticism and precision, has seen a shifting landscape in recent years. Weston’s consistency is a key factor, but the sport is notoriously susceptible to small errors having large consequences. The fact that Jungk secured the fastest time in the second run, despite a longer gap since his last podium, demonstrates the potential for upsets. The Chinese team, with Lin Quinwei setting a new start record, also continues to be a force, showcasing the growing global competitiveness of the sport. This is particularly noteworthy as the IBSF World Cup serves as a crucial proving ground for athletes aiming for Olympic qualification.

The Forward Look: The next few races will be critical in determining whether Weston can maintain his lead or if the chasing pack – particularly Jungk and Maier – can close the gap. Maier’s fall from second to fourth in Lillehammer is a cautionary tale; consistency will be paramount. We can expect to see athletes focusing heavily on start times, as evidenced by Quinwei’s record, and refining their driving lines to minimize errors. The upcoming races in North America will present different track conditions, testing the athletes’ adaptability. The key storyline to watch is whether Jungk can build on his Lillehammer performance and mount a serious challenge to Weston’s dominance. His return to the podium suggests a renewed focus and potentially a shift in the competitive dynamic. Furthermore, the performance of the Chinese team will be a significant indicator of their Olympic potential.

For more detailed information including athlete profiles and results and rankings please visit ibsf.org. Through the following link, we provide a special press/media compilation immediately after the World Cup Races: Selection on Flickr for Press/Media. ©RWH2025

Photos: © IBSF · Viesturs Lacis