"Excitement is definitely the word I'd use, Matt Weston says as the world No 1 and the reigning world champion in the skeleton looks ahead to the start of the Winter Olympics this week. Weston has just won the skeleton World Cup, winning five out of seven races and finishing second to his team-mate, Marcus Wyatt, in the two others. The 28-year-old is clearly Team GB's strongest hope for a gold medal at Milano Cortina and enthusiasm and belief pours out of him. I'm just so excited, he says. The pressure is higher, it's a bigger event, and there are a lot of eyes on me. But at the same time there's that confidence heightened by the momentum and the results I've got behind me. I know I can perform."
"In the skeleton he is hurtling down a thick sheet of ice on a hi-tech version of a sled at around 90pmh headfirst and with no brakes. So he is smart enough to pause. I will be nervous. But I can't wait to enjoy it. The Olympics is such a cool and amazing environment so there's no point getting bogged down in nerves. When I'm having fun and I'm in that positive mindset I slide faster anyway. The more I enjoy it, the better the results."
"Before his domination this season, Weston had already laid down a huge marker last March when he became world champion for a second time. He casually points out that, being 1.9 seconds faster than his closest rival, Wyatt, was the second-best winning margin ever in the skeleton world championships. Weston smiles when I ask if his supremacy over the past year has produced a psychological edge over his competitors? Definitely, he says. I've had comments from opponents saying: Oh, it's Matt again. How much are you going to win by this week?' They're jovial comments and I laugh it off. But that means I am in your head. If you're focusing on what I'm doing, it means you're not focusing on yourself. So chat away."
Matt Weston is the world No 1 skeleton racer and the reigning world champion. He won the skeleton World Cup this season, taking five of seven races and finishing second in the other two to team-mate Marcus Wyatt. Weston is 28 and is Team GB's leading gold-medal hope at Milano Cortina. He carries strong momentum, heightened confidence, and acknowledges increased pressure and attention. Weston has endured past disappointment and recent adversity but emphasizes enjoyment and a positive mindset to improve performance. He also notes a sizeable 1.9-second victory margin at the world championships, reinforcing a psychological edge over rivals.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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