Olympic Champion Matt Weston Returns to Oaklands to Inspire Students at Festival of Achievement

Oaklands College was proud to welcome back former student and double Olympic gold medallist Matt Weston as part of this year's Festival of Achievement celebrations.

Matt, Great Britain's most successful male Winter Olympian, returned to the college where his sporting journey began to celebrate student success and inspire the next generation of athletes. Students and staff lined the driveway to welcome the Oaklands alumnus as he arrived wearing the two Olympic gold medals he won at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

More than 500 students, families, staff and guests gathered at the Mansion House for the A Level and Service Industries Awards Ceremony, where achievements across academic, sporting and personal development were recognised and celebrated.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the inaugural Matt Weston Performance Award, a new accolade established in recognition of Matt's outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence. Matt presented the award to Lily Pereira Dos Santos, who represented England during both her first and second year at college in the U18 Six Nations and is a DiSE athlete.

As part of his visit, Matt toured the College's High Performance Centre, where a commemorative plaque was unveiled in his honour. The plaque bears the inscription: "From these grounds to the Olympic podium", recognising Matt's remarkable journey from Oaklands student to Olympic champion.

Matt Weston said: “It’s really special to be back at Oaklands College. I have so many great memories of my time here as a student, and it’s incredible to see how much the college has evolved, especially the fantastic new sports facilities. Oaklands played an important role in my journey, so returning here and meeting the next generation of students has been a real privilege.”

Matt made British sporting history at the 2026 Winter Olympics, winning gold in both the men's skeleton and the inaugural mixed team skeleton event. In doing so, he became the first British athlete to win multiple medals at the same Winter Games and Team GB's first-ever male Olympic skeleton champion.

The visit formed a memorable part of Oaklands College's Festival of Achievement, providing students with a unique opportunity to meet an alumnus who has reached the pinnacle of international sport. His return served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, resilience and determination.

Andrew Slade, Principal and CEO of Oaklands College, said: "Today was a very special occasion for everyone at Oaklands College. Matt's achievements on the world stage are extraordinary, but what makes us particularly proud is the way he continues to inspire others through his humility, determination and commitment to excellence.

"To see Matt return to the college where his sporting journey began, and to watch him celebrate the achievements of our students, was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, resilience and ambition. He is a role model not only for our Wolves Academy students, but for every young person striving to achieve their goals."

Congratulations to all students recognised during the ceremony, and thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a special occasion.