Weston has become the first British man to win Olympic gold in skeleton. It also marks GB’s first medal at the winter games since the women’s curling team claimed gold four years ago.

The Briton secured victory in 55.61 seconds with an overall winning time of 3:43.33. Weston’s time was +0.88 faster than second-placed Axel Jungk of Germany.

And the star was in tears after completing a dominant performance. He later explained to TNT Sports that he had missed several significant family events to make his Olympic dream a reality.

He said: “It’s crazy. It’s a feeling unlike anything else, I’ve been fortunate to win the World and European championships but this blows it out of the water. I can’t describe it, I feel like I’m in a blur, it’s amazing.

“They (his family) missed out on Beijing, I’m so happy to see them here. It’s not just them who has had to sacrifice, I’ve missed funerals, weddings, you name it, I’ve missed it, all in pursuit of this around my neck. What the hell? What’s going on? I keep getting set off.

“I’m being very careful at the moment, I’ve seen all the ones breaking, I’m cradling it. I’ll be sleeping with it tonight.

“The feeling is unlike anything I’ve ever had before, it’s just overwhelming. It means so much, to have them here, it means everything.”

“Incredibly impressive from Matt Weston. What stands out for me is each and every time Matt Weston stood at the start block he was looking down the track, he excelled, he accelerated, he was so focused. I really can’t find the words to describe how incredibly impressed I am with his performance.”

Yarnold then broke down in tears, covering her face with her hands, before Balding stepped in to take over presenting while the 37-year-old collected herself.