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Team GB's Matt Weston and Marcus Wyatt have suffered a setback in their quest for Olympic gold, after the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) banned the helmets they intended to use at the Winter Olympics. The pair have been dominant in skeleton throughout the year, establishing themselves as medal favourites in Italy.

The innovative helmets were tested in San Moritz last week, but the federation ruled on 29 January that their design breached regulations because of their shape. With the competition just days away, Team GB has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday (5 February) with a verdict anticipated the following day (Friday, 6 February). The skeleton event begins on Thursday, 12 February and concludes the next day.

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It remains uncertain whether Weston and Wyatt will be permitted to use their new cutting-edge helmets for the event. If not, they will have to revert to the helmets that they've worn before.

A statement from the Court of Arbitration confirmed: "The case concerns a decision by the IBSF that the safety helmet for Team GB for Skeleton does not comply with the IBSF Skeleton rules.

"Filed on February 2, 2026, the appeal challenges a decision by the IBSF on January 29, 2026 stating that the helmet does not comply with the IBSF skeleton rules based on its shape.

"The design and manufacture of the Team GB helmet was funded by the BBSA (British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association), which they argue meets rigorous safety standards."

"BBSA requests that the CAS Ad hoc division rules that the Team GB helmet is compliant with rules and is safe to use in the Skeleton Competition at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and future IBSF competitions.

"They also requested that CAS rules that the Team GB helmet is proven to be safer and more beneficial to athletes' health and safety than any other helmets being used."

Despite not yet using the new helmets, Weston and Wyatt have been unstoppable this season, claiming victory in all seven World Cup races between them. Last year, Weston secured her second World Championship title, finishing 1.9 seconds ahead of Wyatt.

The Skeleton is one of Team GB's most successful winter sports, with the team having a medalist at every games between the sport's re-introduction in 2002, with 2022, the last time there was no medal.

The latest was Lizzy Yarnold, who defended her Olympic title in PyeongChang 2018, she was joined on the podium by Laura Deas. Dom Parsons also won bronze at the men's event.

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