Bath, a city steeped in history – from Roman foundations to the elegant backdrop of theBridgertonseries – now holds a more modern claim to fame: it’s the unlikely training ground for Olympic skeleton champions.
Hidden within the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village lies the UK’s only 140-meter push-start track, a facility that has quietly become a crucible for winter sports excellence. Since its opening in 2002, this track has launched the careers of nine Olympic medalists.
The recent triumph of Matt Weston, securing gold in the men’s skeleton, and his subsequent victory with teammate Tabby Stoecker in the mixed event, are the latest chapters in this remarkable story. Their success echoes a legacy built on dedication and a uniquely effective training environment.
Stephen Baddeley, the university’s director of sport, expressed immense pride in the athletes’ achievements. He emphasized the privilege of supporting their journey to become the best in the world, a sentiment shared by the entire university community.
For Weston, the Bath track wasn’t just a place to train; it was the key to unlocking his explosive power off the start line. He shattered the track record five consecutive times en route to his double gold, a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection.
His record-breaking performances came with a charming tradition: each new fastest time requires the athlete to purchase a crate of beer for the track maintenance crew. Weston’s five golds mean five crates are heading to the team in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Weston and Stoecker’s victories, alongside Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale’s historic snowboard cross win, have propelled Team GB to its most successful Winter Olympics in terms of gold medals. The team’s momentum is building with each event.
The bobsleigh teams, also honing their skills at the Bath facility, now have the opportunity to add to the medal count, carrying the hopes of a nation inspired by the city’s quiet contribution to Olympic glory.
This year’s wins add to a growing list of British Winter Olympic champions, a legacy that began in 1924 with a men’s curling victory and continues to expand with each Games.
