Weston leads British sliders to Cortina with real medal hopes

BATH, England, Jan 22 : Britain has targeted a record five medals at next month's Winter Olympics and on Thursday they named their sliding team that is likely to make a major contribution to the haul.

Leading the charge is the men's skeleton, where double world champion and triple World Cup winner Matt Weston will start as favourite in Cortina, with regular roommate Marcus Wyatt, third in this year's World Cup, also a strong contender for the podium.

"I couldn’t really have wished for too much of a better season going into the Olympics," said Weston, who overcame a bad thigh injury to dominate the circuit.

"I’m obviously picking up on the things I need to improve because I’m a perfectionist, but I’m pleased with how the year has gone for me personally and for us as a team.

"We missed out on having fans on the ground for Beijing so there’s an added sense of excitement this time around and I’m really excited to have friends and family out there with me."

'INCREDIBLY PROUD'

On the women's side Tabby Stoecker, fresh from her third place in the World Cup, leads a team of three alongside Amelia Coltman in an event where Britain has won gold three times. Germany are the only other nation to have three sleds in the event.

"Getting selected for my first Olympic Games is a dream come true," said Stoecker. "I feel so incredibly proud of my journey up to this point and I can’t wait to represent my country in Cortina."

Another medal chance comes in the mixed team, making its Olympic debut this year, after Britain took this season's World Cup title.

The make-up of the team will be decided after the individual races, with the best finisher from the men's and women's likely to link up.

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