From Circus Trapeze to Olympic Gold: The Rise of Tabitha Stoecker
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, 15 February 2026 — In a historic afternoon at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Great Britain’s Tabitha Stoecker has transitioned from a former circus performer to an Olympic champion. Alongside teammate Matt Weston, Stoecker secured the gold medal in the inaugural Olympic skeleton mixed team relay, marking a pinnacle in a career defined by rapid ascent and athletic versatility.
Olympic Glory in Cortina
The victory on Sunday came just 24 hours after Stoecker finished a commendable fifth in the individual women’s skeleton event. Competing in the debut of the mixed team format, Stoecker and Weston delivered a masterclass in precision. While Stoecker’s run kept the British pair within striking distance, Weston’s final heat set a track record, ensuring Team GB took the first-ever gold in this discipline.
This gold medal adds to an impressive tally for the 25-year-old Londoner, who has become one of the most consistent performers on the IBSF World Cup circuit over the last two seasons.
The “Circus Girl” of Skeleton
Stoecker’s path to the ice was far from traditional. Born in Highgate, London, she spent her youth training in circus arts. From the age of 11, she specialised in the flying trapeze, acrobatics, and aerial silks. This background in high-stakes, gravity-defying performance provided the spatial awareness and “air sense” required for the high speeds of skeleton racing.
Career Milestones
Before her Olympic triumph, Stoecker had already established herself as a formidable competitor:
- World Cup Breakthrough: Won her first World Cup gold in La Plagne, France, during the 2023/24 season.
- World Championship Success: A two-time world silver medallist in the mixed team event (2024 and 2025).
- Junior Success: Junior European Champion and a double Junior World Championship medallist.
- 2025/26 Season: Secured podium finishes in Lillehammer and Sigulda leading up to the Winter Games.
Tabitha Stoecker: Career Statistics
| Event/Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tabitha Stoecker |
| Nickname | Tabby |
| Date of Birth | 24 November 2000 |
| Height | 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) |
| Olympic Medals | Gold (Mixed Team Relay, 2026) |
| Previous Discipline | Acrobatics / Flying Trapeze |
The Road to Milano-Cortina
Stoecker’s preparation for the 2026 Games was marked by a series of high-pressure performances. In November 2025, she and Marcus Wyatt won the World Cup mixed team event on the very same Cortina track, proving her affinity for the Italian ice. Despite the pressure of being a “medal favourite” heading into the Games, Stoecker maintained her composure, citing her circus training as the foundation for her mental toughness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tabitha Stoecker start in skeleton?
Stoecker was a former British Schools Gymnastics Champion and circus performer. She transitioned to skeleton through the British Skeleton talent identification programme, which often recruits athletes with backgrounds in gymnastics and sprinting due to their explosive power and body control.
What is Tabitha Stoecker’s best Olympic result?
As of 15 February 2026, her best result is a gold medal in the Mixed Team Skeleton Relay. She also finished 5th in the Women’s Individual Skeleton event at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games.
Who is Tabitha Stoecker’s teammate?
In the 2026 Olympic gold-winning run, her teammate was Matt Weston. In previous World Cup seasons, she has also seen significant success competing alongside Marcus Wyatt.
Where is Tabitha Stoecker from?
She was born and raised in Highgate, London, and represents Team GB.