Key Highlights
- Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer secure silver and bronze in Skeleton competition.
- Matt Weston from Britain wins gold with a new Bahn record of 3:43.44 minutes.
- Wladyslaw Heraskewytsch is disqualified due to helmet violation, confirmed by CAS.
The Skeleton Sprint at Olympia 2026
Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer dazzle in the Skeleton event at Olympia 2026. Jungk earns silver while Grotheer takes bronze, just behind Matt Weston’s gold.
Germany’s prospects seemed strong entering the final race, but the competition was fierce. Matt Weston from Britain dominated with a new Bahn record of 3:43.44 minutes. The Germans had to fight hard for their positions, especially with the British speed.
Behind the Scenes
Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer knew they were in a battle from the start. Grotheer, who just made it through qualification, vowed to push hard. And he did.
He and Jungk capitalized on the cold conditions, shaving off precious seconds with every run.
“I’m just so proud,” said Grotheer after securing bronze. “It was a lot of pressure, but I knew I had to give it my all.” Jungk managed his nerves well, finishing second overall despite a few wobbles in the final race. He called it a “totalkatastrophe,” but he held onto his position.
Their performance was crucial for Germany’s medal haul at Olympia 2026. Felix Keisinger rounded out the top six, securing sixth place with a time of +1:81 seconds behind the leaders.
Disqualifications and Uphill Battles
A notable disqualification occurred when Wladyslaw Heraskewytsch from Ukraine was banned by the CAS for helmet violations. His absence left an opening, but it also highlighted the strict rules that govern the sport.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations on headgear are under scrutiny. While the decision stands firm, debates continue about the impact of such stringent measures on athlete safety and performance.
Lessons Learned
This event is a testament to the intense competition at Olympia 2026. It shows that every second counts in Skeleton, where athletes need both speed and strategic timing. The Germans’ silver and bronze were hard-fought victories, reflecting the close-knit nature of this thrilling discipline.