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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ben Parsons

Matt Weston makes British sporting history as he seals incredible World Skeleton title

Magnificent Matt Weston etched his name in the history books as he became Great Britain's second-ever men's skeleton world champion in St Moritz.

Weston dominated across both days of competition in Switzerland to finish an almighty 1.79 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger, Italy's Amedeo Bagnis.

The Surrey star joined Kristan Bromley as the only other British man to win a skeleton world title.

Dutch coach Bromley famously prevailed in Altenberg, Germany in 2008 and Team GB great Lizzie Yarnold was the last Briton to claim a world crown in 2015.

But former rugby player Weston can now revel in realising his own dream of becoming king of the world at the age of 25.

It caps off an unforgettable month for Weston, who last week powered to victory in Germany to become European champion.

“It’s an amazing feeling," he said. "It’s an absolute dream to be world champion. I can’t really describe it to be honest. It’s pretty special."

“I knew that I had a good chance after winning the last two World Cups in Altenberg but to actually come here and make it a reality is incredible. To do it at the birthplace of the sport as well makes it even more memorable."

Weston's world-class performance saw him win the world title by the biggest margin since his esteemed Latvian coach Martin Dunkers in 2012.

And he claimed the European-World Championship skeleton double at the spiritual home of sliding in St Moritz.

But while he was joined by two other Brits in the top five, Weston sympathised with fellow Great Britain racer Craig Thompson, who agonisingly missed out on the medals by just one hundredth of a second.

“I’m gutted for Craig that he just missed bronze but it’s been a brilliant week for all of us – three in the top five is awesome," Weston added. "It’s been a brilliant season so far but this is something else.”

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