CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Pacesetter Matt Weston of Britain displayed overwhelming supremacy in the men's skeleton, setting four track records to claim gold at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Winter Games on Friday.
The reigning world champion and World Cup winner dominated from start to finish, clocking a combined time of three minutes 43.33 seconds. Weston reset the track record in each run, improving from 56.21 seconds to 55.88, then 55.63 and finally 55.61.
After crossing the finish line, Weston kissed the ice and screamed in celebration, overwhelmed by his performance.
"It's an absolute dream. I literally cannot put into words what this means. It means a hell of a lot to me, but also to everyone who sacrificed for me to be here - my fiancee and so many others. Thank you to everyone back home who has supported us," said Weston.
"I've missed funerals, birthdays - everything - to be here for this moment. Hopefully I've made everyone at home proud."
Germany's Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer finished second and third in 3:44.21 and 3:44.40, respectively. China's Chen Wenhao narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 3:44.59, followed by Italy's Amedeo Bagnis and Germany's Felix Keisinger. China's veteran Yin Zheng and rookie Lin Qinwei placed seventh and eighth respectively.
"It was my dream to compete in the Olympic Winter Games but it was a little pity that I was one step away from the medals. I tried hard to be concentrated on myself during the competition," Chen said.
Austria's Janine Flock topped the women's standings after two runs, ahead of Germany's Susanne Kreher and Jacqueline Pfeifer. China's Zhao Dan temporarily ranked seventh.
The final two runs of women's skeleton will be held on Saturday. ■
