Matt Weston Sets His Sights on the Top Step at World Championships

Great Britain’s Matt Weston has his “eye on the top step” of the podium as the skeleton World Championships kick off on Thursday in Lake Placid, USA. With his sights firmly set on victory, Weston has articulated his ambitions clearly: “I set myself two goals this year – win the [World Cup] overall again, which I have managed to do, and win the World Championships, so that’s the main goal.”

Challenges Ahead: The Tough Track

Weston acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, stating, “This track is really tough, really technical and [you need] consistency – not only over four runs but over two days where you could be in a good position after day one and then for some people the pressure might get to you to go and perform the next day.” The demanding nature of the Lake Placid track requires not just skill but also mental fortitude, making this championship a true test of endurance and focus.

Looking Beyond: Winter Olympics Preparation

While Weston is focused on performing at his best this week, he is also mindful of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina next February. He shared, “We are practising things in preparation for Milan – how we work with coaches, equipment, personal things for me like how to get my headspace in the right place for racing, how do I overcome this problem, that problem.” This dual focus on immediate competition and long-term goals exemplifies the dedication required of elite athletes.

Historic Achievements: A Record-Breaking Journey

Weston has already made history as the first British male to win back-to-back World Cup titles, joining the ranks of legends like Alex Coomber (2000, 2001, and 2002) and Kristan Bromley (2004 and 2008). Reflecting on his achievements, he remarked, “For me personally, it’s pretty crazy to think I’m writing history. It doesn’t really sink in at the moment because the sport is so compact over six months, you’re very much almost week-in, week-out, day-to-day, I’ve got this new goal to hit, I’ve got this new target to try and achieve.”

The Road Ahead: Balancing Pressure and Performance

As the competition unfolds, Weston will need to balance the pressure of his aspirations with the realities of performance. The psychological aspect of competing at such a high level cannot be underestimated, and Weston is well aware of this. He continues to refine his mental strategies, preparing himself not just physically but also mentally for the challenges that lie ahead.

Conclusion: Aiming for Victory

With the World Championships underway, all eyes will be on Matt Weston as he strives for victory. His journey is not just about winning but also about setting the stage for future competitions, including the Winter Olympics. As he competes in Lake Placid, Weston embodies the spirit of determination and excellence that defines elite sports.

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