Medals update: Germany’s Christopher Grotheer wins historic men’s skeleton gold at Beijing 2022

Christopher Grotheer spearheaded a German 1-2 podium to win the country’s first men's skeleton gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games. Compatriot Axel Jungk clinched silver with the People’s Republic of China’s Yan Wengang bagging bronze.

Christopher Grotheer launched an all-out assault on the ice at the Yanqing National Sliding Centre to win his and Germany’s first Olympic men’s skeleton gold medal in Beijing 2022 on Friday (11 February).

Grotheer came into Beijing 2022 as the two-time defending world champion, itching to add the Olympic Winter Games gold to his trophy cabinet.

"Unbelievable. I have dreamt of this since I was a child, now the dream has come true. I was very nervous before the first run and I couldn't sleep well last night either," Grotheer said. "Now I'm just proud of myself and everyone around me who made this possible."

The 29-year-old Grotheer made a statement of intent in the first heat posting a track record of 1:00.00, and won two more to set up the victory after four runs in a combined winning time of 4:01.01.

He became Germany’s first Olympic men's skeleton champion adding to the country’s proud history in sliding sports with compatriot Axel Jungk sharing the podium, claiming the second step. Jungk finished in a time of 4:01.67 with first-time Olympian Yan Wengang of China finishing third in 4:01.77.

Before Beijing 2022, Germany has not won a single medal in the men’s skeleton competition at the Winter Olympics despite being a dominant force in the other sliding sports of bobsleigh and luge.

Yan was in third place after the first two runs but slipped out of a medal position after the third. He, however, lay down the fastest run in the fourth and final heat to win his country's first-ever medal in a sliding sport at the Winter Olympics.

"Winning a medal for my country is simply the greatest thing," Yan said. "I am very happy that I was able to catch up in the fourth run. I hope that I can also inspire many people for the sport of skeleton and that new athletes will start with the sport."

Men’s skeleton results:

Christopher Grotheer (GER) – 4:01.01

Axel Jungk (GER) – 4:01.67

Yan Wengang (CHN) – 4:01.77