The men’s skeleton competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics kicked off with an electrifying Heat 1 (Run 1) on the brand-new Cortina Sliding Centre track, setting the stage for one of the most dominant performances in recent Olympic sliding history. Under the lights and amid the crisp Italian alpine air, 24 athletes from 15 nations launched themselves headfirst down the twisting, high-speed course. From the explosive push starts to the razor-sharp steering through the labyrinth of curves, every fraction of a second mattered on this technical and unforgiving track.
Heat 1
Matt Weston (GBR) Matt Weston opened Heat 1 like a man completely in command of Olympic pressure. From the moment he settled onto the sled, he looked locked in laser‑focused beneath the visor. Weston exploded off the block with a lightning‑quick start, and his driving lines from Curves 3 through 7 were absolutely textbook. What really made the run special was how calmly he handled the track’s fastest section: no panicked inputs, no wasted motion, just smooth, composed steering and perfect body control. When he crossed the finish line at 56.21, the crowd knew they’d just seen something close to a masterpiece. He set the target, and it was a big one.
Axel Jungk (GER) Axel Jungk stepped up next with a fierce determination that showed in every part of his approach. His start was explosive — one of the quickest of the heat — and he immediately began building speed through the acceleration zone. Jungk attacked the course with a blend of aggression and precision, carving clean lines but never sacrificing speed. His handling through the labyrinth was especially impressive; he carried massive velocity through sections where most sliders scrub time. When his final time of 56.27 flashed on the board, he was just 0.06 behind Weston, solidifying Germany’s intent to dominate early.
Amedeo Bagnis (ITA) Italy’s Amedeo Bagnis delivered one of the most emotionally charged runs of Heat 1. As he stood at the start, the Italian fans erupted into cheers, and Bagnis fed off their energy. His push start was strong, but the magic came from his driving — fluid, confident, and beautifully balanced. Through the mid‑track curves, he looked almost effortless as his sled glided with the kind of precision only the top sliders in the world can produce. When he crossed in 56.37, securing third place at the time, the venue roared. This was a home‑nation highlight moment.
Christopher Grotheer (GER) Christopher Grotheer, the German veteran, approached his opening run with the calm demeanor of a world champion. His push wasn’t the fastest of the heat, but once he was on the sled, his technical mastery took over. Grotheer navigated the track with remarkable control — minimal skids, pinpoint accuracy, and a level of consistency that sets him apart. His time of 56.39 was good enough to keep him right in the fight. While not quite on Weston’s pace, it showed that Grotheer remains a significant threat for the remaining heats.
Chen Wenhao (CHN) Chen Wenhao continued China’s surge in skeleton with a beautifully executed Heat 1. His start was powerful, but the highlight came through the fast upper portion where he kept his sled perfectly centered — a section known for punishing over‑steering. Chen’s run had an effortless rhythm, and his reaction at the finish — a composed nod — reflected quiet confidence. His 56.43 put him in the top five and confirmed that China is not just participating but competing seriously at this level.
Felix Keisinger (GER) Felix Keisinger delivered Germany’s third top‑six performance of the heat with his 56.44. His push was blistering, setting him up well for the high‑speed opening sequence. While he lost a touch of pace in the mid‑section due to a minor tap, Keisinger recovered brilliantly and showed phenomenal bottom‑track speed. His strength lies in maintaining stability under high G‑forces, and he proved that again today. He sits in a very competitive position moving forward.
Marcus Wyatt (GBR) Marcus Wyatt followed with a confident, controlled drive down the track. His 56.52 placed him seventh and demonstrated consistency that could easily translate into a big climb in Heat 2. Wyatt’s steering was impressively subtle — barely visible to the eye — and his exit from the labyrinth was among the cleanest of the entire heat. He remains very much in the mix.
Yin Zheng (CHN) Yin Zheng delivered another strong Chinese performance with a time of 56.56. His run was marked by exceptional patience in the tricky middle curves, where he avoided over‑steering and let the sled run naturally. Zheng has refined his riding style significantly, and it showed. His top‑ten position is well-earned.
Jung Seunggi (KOR) Korea’s Jung Seunggi finished just a whisker behind Zheng with a 56.57. He showed excellent flow through the track, and his push start was one of the more aggressive of the heat. The Korean sliders are known for their athletic starts, and Jung paired his with controlled, deliberate steering that kept him in ninth — a strong opening statement.
Mattia Gaspari (ITA) Mattia Gaspari added another exciting moment for the home crowd. His 56.73 placed him tenth, but more importantly, it showed his ability to handle the pressure of performing in front of thousands of Italian supporters. He looked confident at the start and disciplined through the curves. Gaspari has room to climb.
Rasmus Vestergaard Johansen (DEN) Rasmus Vestergaard Johansen continues to push Denmark into higher prominence in sliding sports. His 56.82 run was measured and technically sound. He avoided the major errors that derail many mid‑pack sliders and demonstrated that Denmark’s program is steadily rising.
Samuel Maier (AUT) & Lin Qinwei (CHN) Samuel Maier and Lin Qinwei tied at 56.89, sharing twelfth place. Maier’s run was a solid one, marred only by a small upper‑track wobble. Lin, meanwhile, showed excellent steering finesse and one of the best lower‑track speeds of the heat. Both athletes are positioned well for a move upward in Heat 2.
Austin Florian (USA) Austin Florian pushed aggressively out of the gate and posted a spirited 56.95, placing him in fourteenth. Florian’s style is bold — he isn’t afraid to take risks — and his speed at the bottom of the track was among the fastest in the field. Clean up the small mistakes, and he’s capable of a major jump.
Kim Jisoo (KOR) Kim Jisoo delivered a smooth and composed run at 57.15. Though he lost a bit of time through the upper curves, his exit speed through the labyrinth showed promise. Korea remains a strong presence on the sliding scene.
Vinzenz Buff (SUI) Vinzenz Buff slid into sixteenth with a 57.27, showcasing his trademark steadiness. Buff rarely panics, and that composure helped him avoid major mistakes even when his speed dipped slightly mid‑run.
Emils Indriksons (LAT) Latvia’s Emils Indriksons delivered a competitive run of 57.29. He showed tremendous power on the straights, though a few taps kept him from breaking into the top 15. Latvia continues to produce rugged, strong skeleton athletes.
Daniel Barefoot (USA) Daniel Barefoot clocked 57.47, placing him eighteenth. His determination was clear, and although he lost some speed through the middle, his lower‑track recovery was excellent. The Americans have two solid athletes in the fight.
Florian Auer (AUT) Florian Auer’s 57.53 showcased clean steering but lacked the top‑end velocity needed to challenge the front half. He stayed disciplined and avoided errors, which keeps him in the competition.
Lucas Defayet (FRA) Lucas Defayet turned in a clean 57.63, landing him twentieth. France continues to build its sliding program, and Defayet showed the technical foundation necessary to continue improving.
Hiroatsu Takahashi (JPN) Japan’s Hiroatsu Takahashi finished with a 58.06, reflecting solid technique but a lack of acceleration early in his run. His bottom section was noticeably smoother, hinting at potential gains later.
Josip Brusic (CAN) Josip Brusic put down a 58.14, placing him twenty‑second. Canada has a strong sliding heritage, and while Brusic struggled with speed early, his form improved drastically near the finish.
Jared Firestone (ISR) Jared Firestone’s 58.15 run was full of grit. He fought the sled at several points but remained composed. Israel’s sliding program is small but growing, and Firestone continues to push its visibility.
Nicholas Timmings (AUS) Nicholas Timmings posted a 58.26, placing him twenty‑fourth. His run had a few unstable moments, especially in the upper track, but he corrected well and finished strongly.
Vladyslav Heraskevych (UKR) Unfortunately, Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified in Heat 1. Whether due to equipment, rules, or start‑line issues, it was a heartbreaking moment for a talented athlete who consistently brings passion and sportsmanship to the sport.
0 Comments