Britain’s elite athletes have named skeleton athlete Marcus Wyatt as their Athlete of the Month for February after he became European champion.

Marcus took the title with compatriot and 2023 champion Matt Weston finishing second and Amelia Coltman securing bronze in the women’s competition. Marcus overcame what he called “the worst result of my career” after finishing 31st in Lillehammer the week before, saying: “There’s not much that would be better than going from 31st one week to European champion the next.”

Marcus was crowned in Sigulda, Latvia, after finishing second in the weekend’s World Cup race. It saw him improve on a commendable fourth-placed European ranking last season and ensured Britain could boast consecutive European champions after Matt Weston’s 2023 victory. Marcus became the third British man and fifth Briton to win the title.

He said in a video for the BEAA: “A massive thank you to everyone who voted for me as Athlete of the Month. It’s a real privilege to receive that honour from my fellow athletes. To come away with the European championships was absolutely amazing. It still hasn’t sunk in, I don’t think!

“The team put in some really amazing performances, we came away with medals as a team and I think we’re in a good position to move forward. Everything is looking good for Milan 2026.”

Marcus’ success topped a poll among elite British athletes to decide who on the World Class Programme deserved most recognition for their successes last month.

He was shortlisted alongside Arthur Farley (sailing), Grace Reid (diving) and Laura Stephens (swimming).

The Athletes’ Athlete of the Month award is given to elite British sportspeople on behalf of World Class Programme athletes by the BEAA for their achievements in competition or elsewhere, such as personal development, inspiring comebacks, charity work, awareness raising and more.

It celebrates successes across elite British sport, and commends more than just competitive accomplishment – with every winner decided by the athlete community.

Huge congratulations to Marcus for winning, and to Arthur, Grace and Laura for being nominated. Elite athletes, to cast your vote next time, get involved via your BEAA emails!