Skeleton Success at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Jungk and Grotheer Secure Silver and Bronze
February 13, 2026, marked a day of exhilarating competition in the ice channel at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer brought joy to the German team, securing second and third place respectively. However, the gold medal ultimately went to Great Britain’s Matt Weston.
The lead-up to the medal decisions in Skeleton was shadowed by the disqualification of Ukrainian athlete Wladyslaw Heraskewytsch. While the controversy surrounding his helmet sparked debate, the sporting headlines focused on the incredible performances on the track. Matt Weston, already leading after two of four runs, maintained his dominance and clinched gold in a time of 3:43.44. Jungk (+0.88 seconds) and Grotheer (+1.07 seconds) celebrated their well-deserved silver and bronze medals.
CAS Ruling and Continued Debate
On February 14, 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed Heraskewytsch’s exclusion from the Olympics. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules regarding freedom of expression continue to be a subject of discussion. Learn more about the IOC’s stance on athlete expression.
The Battle for the Podium
While Weston’s victory was expected, the fight for the remaining podium spots was intensely competitive. Jungk held second place at the halfway point, with Grotheer just behind. Grotheer, who qualified for the Olympics at the last minute, declared his intention to “fully attack,” and he delivered on his promise. Both Grotheer and Jungk capitalized on the colder temperatures and faster track conditions, improving their times in the third run.
Weston, having set a new track record, continued to extend his lead. However, the German duo managed to maintain their distance from Wenhao Chen of China and Amedeo Bagnis of Italy, securing their positions for the final run.
Final Run and Celebrations
In the final run at the Cortina Sliding Center, Grotheer led the way, securing his bronze medal and eagerly awaiting his teammate. “I am simply incredibly proud of myself,” he beamed. Jungk, despite a few wobbles, held onto his second-place position. He later described his performance as a “total catastrophe,” admitting to being anxious until he crossed the finish line. Felix Keisinger, the third German Skeleton pilot, finished sixth (+1.81 seconds), completing a strong showing for the German team.
This event was covered extensively on sportschau.de, offering detailed coverage of the medal ceremony featuring Jungk and Grotheer.
Related Athlete: Janine Flock, a prominent figure in the world of Skeleton, continues to inspire athletes worldwide.
