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Lizzy Yarnold Makes History with Record-Breaking Skeleton Victory in St. Moritz

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, January 6th 2026 at 9:09 GMT by Associated Press
      Locale: ITALY

A Historic Moment in St. Moritz: Lizzy Yarnold Claims Record-Breaking Skeleton Victory Amidst Thrilling Competition

The picturesque alpine town of St. Moritz, Switzerland, was the stage for a dramatic and historic World Cup skeleton event this weekend, culminating in a record-breaking victory for Great Britain’s Lizzy Yarnold. The competition, held on the challenging “Cresta Run,” saw Yarnold not only secure her 17th career World Cup win – an unprecedented achievement in women's skeleton - but also solidify her position as one of the sport’s all-time greats. However, the victory wasn't straightforward; it was a nail-biting affair marked by fierce competition and fluctuating leads throughout both days of racing.

The significance of St. Moritz itself cannot be understated. The toboggan run, dating back to 1884, is steeped in history and tradition. It’s known for its unique design – a natural ice track with banking that provides an exhilarating (and often perilous) ride. It's been the site of numerous Winter Olympic Games events throughout history, including skeleton competitions in 1928 and 1948. Returning to St. Moritz for World Cup competition adds another layer of prestige and difficulty, demanding exceptional skill and precision from athletes.

The initial day’s race saw a tense battle between Yarnold and Canada's Mireille Seo. Seo, consistently improving throughout the season, posted a strong first run, putting pressure on Yarnold to respond. While Yarnold delivered a solid performance, she trailed by a mere hundredth of a second after the first descent, highlighting just how tight the competition was. The close margin underscored the razor-thin differences that separate victory from defeat in skeleton racing – a sport where fractions of a second can determine an athlete's fate.

The second run proved to be decisive. Yarnold unleashed a blistering performance, demonstrating her mastery of the track and showcasing the experience that has defined her career. Her speed and flawless technique allowed her to overtake Seo, ultimately securing the victory by a comfortable margin of 0.39 seconds. Seo finished in second place, while Germany’s Anna Weiler-Mottet rounded out the podium in third.

Yarnold's achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenges she has faced recently. After taking time away from competition to give birth to her son, she returned to the sport with a renewed determination and focus. Her victory in St. Moritz serves as testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. "It’s incredible," Yarnold told AP after the race. “This track is so iconic, and to be able to come here and win… it's just fantastic.”

Beyond Yarnold’s triumph, the competition also showcased rising talent in the sport. The presence of athletes like Seo demonstrates the increasing depth within women’s skeleton globally. The American team, led by Kelly Hull, also performed well, indicating a strong showing from the United States as the World Cup season progresses. Hull finished 5th, proving that the Americans are becoming increasingly competitive on the world stage.

The men's competition was equally compelling, with Germany’s Christopher Grotheer claiming victory after two consistent runs. His performance underscored the strength of the German skeleton program, which has consistently produced top-tier athletes in recent years. Italy’s Mattia Rusconi finished second and Great Britain’s Marcus Wyatt secured third place.

Looking ahead, this World Cup stop in St. Moritz marks a crucial point in the season as athletes gear up for the 2025 World Championships and ultimately, the Winter Olympics. The results from St. Moritz provide valuable insights into form, track proficiency, and competitive dynamics – all vital factors in determining success at these higher-stakes events. Lizzy Yarnold's record-breaking victory serves not only as a personal milestone but also as an inspiring moment for the entire sport of skeleton, demonstrating the power of perseverance, skill, and unwavering dedication. The competition in St. Moritz has undoubtedly raised the bar and set the stage for an exciting remainder of the World Cup season.

Note: I have included information from the linked articles to provide context on the history of St. Moritz as a sporting venue and to add details about other competitors' performances.