In the window of Oxfam – Bury Street, Abingdon, two mannequins framed by Union Jacks have been there throughout the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. A light box says: GOOD LUCK TEAM GB. One mannequin has a gold medal.
Historically, Britain has not won many Winter Olympic gold medals, which makes each one memorable.
Men’s team – curling (1924)
Men’s team – ice hockey (1936)
Jeannette Altwegg – figure skating (1952)
Robin Dixon and Tony Nash – bobsleigh (1964)
John Curry – figure skating (1976)
Robin Cousins – figure skating (1980)
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean – figure skating (1984)
Women’s team – curling (2002)
Amy Williams – skeleton (2010)
Lizzy Yarnold – skeleton (2014 and 2018)
Women’s team – curling (2022)
For many of my generation, the run of figure skating golds between 1976 and 1984 were a highlight.
This year Team GB are surpassing all previous Winter Olympic performances, with three gold medals already:
Matt Weston – skeleton (2026)
Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale – mixed snowboard cross (2026)
Matt Weston and Tabby Stoecker – mixed skeleton (2026)
There is even the chance of another gold, with the men’s curling team through to the final.
Seen in that light, the Union Jacks around Abingdon-on-Thames can stay up with good reason. There is something to celebrate.
