Trio inducted into Hall of Fame

Tabby Stoecker, Marcus Wyatt and Matt Weston have capped a wonderful Olympic cycle by being inducted into the University of Bath Hall of Fame for Sport.

Olympic gold medalists Stoecker and Weston and World Championship silver medalist Wyatt were recognised at a special ceremony hosted by Bath and North East Council (BANES) at The Guildhall in the centre of Bath on Wednesday evening.  

The trio join fellow skeleton star Amy Williams and the likes of England rugby coach Steve Borthwick, double World Champion hurdler Colin Jackson and Olympic gold medal winning sprinter Jason Gardener on the university’s roll of honour. Both Williams and Gardener attended yesterday’s event to celebrate with Stoecker, Weston and Wyatt, as did the majority of British Skeleton’s coaching team and support staff and the BBSA’s Board of Directors.

“It’s amazing to be recognised in such a special way for what we’ve achieved in our careers so far,” said Weston, who won two World Championships and three Overall World Cup crowns before claiming the men’s and team Olympic titles in Milan Cortina in February. 

“Our names will be up next to some sporting greats that have been a big part of the university and I’m very thankful to the university for inducting me into it. 

It’s great recognition for me individually, but also for the team as a whole. To be able to see our names and photos up in the Sports Training Village (STV) every time we all walk in for training is a good reminder of what we’ve all achieved but also what we’re trying to achieve together in the future.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has played their part in our success and to everyone here helping us celebrate.”

“I’m super proud to be inducted into the hall of fame - it’s not something I ever thought was on the cards,” added Wyatt, the 2024 European Champion, multiple World Cup race winner, twice Overall World Cup medalist and World Championship silver medalist.

I’ve walked past that hall of fame display at the entrance to the STV almost every day for almost exactly 12 years so to now be a part of it is really special. 

“I joined some amazing athletes on the programme and more incredible athletes have come through since, which is testament to the BBSA and Team Bath, and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s helped me on the journey.”

Tabby Stoecker was among the hall of fame inductees

“I feel really proud to be recognised like this,” said Stoecker, who, at 25, is the youngest person to earn a place in the hall of fame. 

“It’s such an honour. I didn’t know I was the youngest person to be inducted so that’s extra special.

“I know that most people in this room will have played some part in that journey and I’d like to extend my gratitude to you all for everything you’ve done for me.”

More than 100 guests were welcomed to The Guildhall by Cllr Shaun Stephenson-McGall, the newly elected Chair of BANES Council, while Stoecker, Weston and Wyatt were formally inducted into the hall of fame by Professor Cassie Wilson, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience), Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, and Stephen Baddeley, the University’s Director of Sport, respectively.

BBSA Chair, Gareth Moore, also spoke at the event, in which he and others recognised the achievements of the British bobsleigh and skeleton squads across the Olympic cycle as a whole.

“Huge congratulations to Marcus, Matt and Tabby on their inductions into the hall of fame. They are exceptional ambassadors for the BBSA and for sliding sports,” said Moore.

Our joy in seeing them beat the best in the world is matched only by our pride in the way in which they represent the nation. All three are outstanding athletes but also remarkable people.

“It has been a truly incredible four years for the BBSA, with success coming season-on-season via multiple athletes across both bobsleigh and skeleton. 

“British athletes and teams won a staggering 106 World Cup and World Championship medals over the cycle, with no fewer than 36 of those being gold. That figure is unheard of, even for a team that has previously enjoyed substantial success on the global stage.

“I know that the University take great pride in our achievements and the role they play in helping us reach our targets and we are thankful for their continued efforts. We look forward to building on this relationship and taking it to new heights during the next Olympic cycle. 

“Matt, Marcus, Tabby and their team mates captured the country’s imagination at the Olympics and it was a real pleasure to watch them do that. I am confident they will continue to have that impact as we look to build on their success and I hope that everyone here with us will continue to support us on that journey.”