Team GB in row over ‘illegal’ skeleton helmets ahead of Winter Olympics in Milan
The British team have been embroiled in the row on the eve of the Winter Games in Milan
Team GB's skeleton team has become embroiled in a row over the use of "illegal' helmets ahead of the Winter Olympics.
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It comes as a blow to the British team, who were hoping to win gold through Matt Weston and the mixed pairing of Tabitha Stoecker and Marcus Wyatt.
The controversy is understood to be linked to new rules being introduced next year for helmet design in the sport.
Team GB are said to be hopeful that their latest offering will comply with the new directive, but has been deemed to fall outside those in force for these Olympics.
A statement from the Court of Arbitration read: "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.
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"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, which they argue meets rigorous safety standards.
It added: "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."
The British skeleton team have collectively won seven World Cup races this year using an authorised helmet, so its competitors could still be confident of their podium chances.
However, teams often save their best innovations for the Olympics. It is understood that no other country was aware of the new British helmets.
Fifty-five British athletes will compete for medals across 116 events in eight sports when the Games kick off in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, from February 6-22.
The first medals are up for grabs on Saturday, which will all be awarded in skiing and snowboarding, with luge and figure skating finals to be held on Sunday.
The skeleton finals will be held between Friday, February 13 and Sunday 15.