The British skeleton team, a strong medal contender, faces a setback just days before the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Their newly designed helmets have been deemed unsafe by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF). The team has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a ruling expected before the competition starts on February 12th.

The helmet's design, intended for the 2026-27 season, aims to meet new safety regulations. The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) believes the helmet is compliant. This situation recalls past controversies, such as the 2010 Games helmet protest. The team has brought their older helmets to Italy as contingency.

This dispute potentially impacts the performance of athletes like Matt Weston, a favorite for gold. The men's skeleton event begins on February 12th, followed by the women's event on February 13th. The outcome of the CAS appeal will determine whether the team can use the new helmets, which could affect their chances.

The IBSF rules specify helmet safety standards, including shape and aerodynamic elements. The team's recent success, with Matt Weston winning the World Cup gold, came with a different helmet design. The stakes are high as the team seeks to replicate their previous achievements at the Winter Olympics.