Marcus Wyatt wins European gold in men's skeleton from Matt Weston
- Published
Marcus Wyatt won the first major title of his career
Great Britain's Marcus Wyatt has been crowned European champion in the men's skeleton in Sigulda, Latvia.
The 32-year-old finished second in Friday's World Cup race and was the top European in the field with a combined time of one minute 41 seconds.
Matt Weston, the 2023 winner, finished runner-up to fellow Briton Wyatt in the European standings by 0.16 seconds.
"I'm absolutely over the moon. To be able to call myself European champion hasn't quite sunk in," said Wyatt.
There was further success later in the day for Great Britain as Amelia Coltman took European bronze in the women's skeleton.
Wyatt, who finished third in the World Cup rankings and fourth in the European Championships last season, had finished 31st in Lillehammer, Norway, last week.
"It's a dream come true. And to keep it in the British programme after Matt won last year is extra special," said Wyatt.
"I had a really good week of training and I knew going into the race that I had a good chance of doing well but to go and execute and come away as European champion is amazing.
"Last week was an absolute shocker, popping a spur and coming 31st for the worst result of my career. I might as well not have got out of bed last week, but I'm glad I did today. There's not much that would be better than going from 31st one week to European champion the next."
Great Britain had waited 15 years for a men's champion before Weston's victory in Altenberg 12 months ago, but they have now had two in as many seasons.
Wyatt is the third British man after Weston and Kristan Bromley (2004, 2005 and 2008) to win the title, while Lizzy Yarnold (2015) and Shelley Rudman (2009 and 2011) have won the women's event.