Team GB's Winter Olympics: The Path to Glory in 2026

The Rising Tide of Team GB in Winter Sports

Could it be that Great Britain, a country often associated with soggy winters and tales of Eddie the Eagle, is on the cusp of a revolutionary breakthrough in winter sports? This is the burning question as we approach the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which officially start this Friday. With a squad that boasts world champions, X Games gold medallists, and multiple podium athletes, Team GB's ambitions are sky high.

Historical Context

In previous Winter Games, Britain's best result came with five medals during both the Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics. UK Sport, however, sets the bar higher this time, estimating that up to eight medals are within reach for our athletes.

The Medal Hopes

Among the elite squad heading to Italy are two outstanding men's skeleton athletes: Matt Weston and Marcus Wyatt. Their fierce competition raises hopes of standing atop the podium. On the snow, Mia Brookes, Kirsty Muir, Zoe Atkin, and Charlotte Bankes are considered frontrunners for the nation's elusive first Olympic gold or silver in snow.

On the ice, we have Lewis Gibson and Lilah Fear, often dubbed the next Torvill and Dean, who are vying for the first British figure skating medal since 1994. Meanwhile, Britain's curlers will be looking to build on their medals from the 2022 winter Olympics.

A Cautionary Note

But with great expectations come the lessons of the past. At the Beijing Games in 2022, Team GB aimed for a medal tally of three to seven but faltered, only securing two curling medals amid a series of disappointments.

GB Snowsport's chief executive, Vicky Gosling, remarked at the time that a sense of "arrogance" overshadowed their preparations. “We cannot bank on anything because literally anything can happen,” she cautioned.

This time, however, the mood feels different. The success of the 2024-25 season saw British winter athletes achieving an impressive nine World Championship medals, alongside a staggering 28 major podiums across Olympic disciplines. With substantial investment from UK Sport — totaling £25.5 million leading into the Milan-Cortina Games—there's a palpable sense of optimism.

A Glimpse Into the Future

The athletes have shown that they are not just there to compete but to contend seriously for medals. Weston dominated the World Cup circuit, winning five of seven races this season, while Zoe Atkin captured the halfpipe world title and earned a grand total of three podium finishes from just three World Cup starts, including a gold success. At the X Games, British athletes showcased both depth and talent, collecting five medals, three of which were gold.

Meet the Stars

Matt Weston

Sport: Skeleton
Key achievements: Two-time world champion, three-time overall World Cup titleholder, with a stellar performance winning five out of seven World Cup golds this season. Competition dates: Men's heats (12-15 February).

Zoe Atkin

Sport: Freestyle skiing (halfpipe)
Key achievements: Current halfpipe world champion, recent X Games gold medalist. Competition dates: Qualifying (19 February), finals (21 February).

Charlotte Bankes

Sport: Snowboarding (snowboard cross)
Key achievements: World champion with two Crystal Globe titles. Competition dates: Women's competition (13 February), mixed team (15 February).

Mia Brookes

Sport: Snowboarding (big air, slopestyle)
Key achievements: Youngest world champion in history; two medals at X Games. Competition dates: Big air (8-9 February), slopestyle (16-17 February).

Kirsty Muir

Sport: Freestyle skiing (big air, slopestyle)
Key achievements: Two-time World Cup gold medallist with solid performances at the X Games. Competition dates: Slopestyle (7-9 February), big air (14-16 February).

Lilah Fear & Lewis Gibson

Sport: Figure skating (ice dance)
Key achievements: Bronze medalists at World Championships; strong European records. Competition dates: Rhythm dance (9 February), free dance (11 February).

Team Mouat

Sport: Curling
Key achievements: Two-time world champions with medal aspirations on the Olympic stage. Competition dates: 11-22 February.

Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity

The road to Milan-Cortina poses challenges, but it also presents an exciting opportunity for Team GB. As we gear up for the Games, it's not just about participating; we stand ready to seize victory and cement a new legacy in winter sports.