Indra Brown Set for Olympic Debut as World No. 1 Freeski Star

MILANO CORTINA (Azat TV) – Australian freeski halfpipe athlete Indra Brown, currently ranked number one in the world, is set to make her highly anticipated Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. At just 15 years old, Brown will compete in the women’s freeski halfpipe qualification round, entering the competition as a strong medal contender following a meteoric rise in the sport.

Brown’s journey to the pinnacle of freestyle skiing has been swift and unconventional. Born in 2010, she spent her early years in Melbourne, Australia, where access to full-sized competitive halfpipes was virtually nonexistent. Despite skiing for nearly a decade, she had never experienced the specialized U-shaped ramps vital for the sport. This changed fundamentally when her family relocated to Canada at the age of 12, offering her immediate access to a halfpipe at her local ski hill.

Her first foray into the discipline occurred during a spring camp hosted by the Canadian Olympic team, fresh off their return from Beijing 2022. Among the hundreds of young skiers, or ‘groms,’ who attended, Brown had the unique opportunity to be instructed by Canadian Olympic legend Cassie Sharpe. Sharpe, a silver medalist from Beijing 2022 and gold medalist from PyeongChang 2018, unknowingly mentored her future rival. Brown recalls Sharpe’s supportive demeanor at the X Games, where the veteran skier good-naturedly remarked about encouraging her own competition.

Brown’s progression since that pivotal encounter has been remarkable. Just a year ago, her Olympic dreams seemed distant, and she had not yet debuted on the World Cup circuit, missing the Livigno test event. However, her passion, ignited during childhood trips to Mount Hotham and solidified in Canada’s ski-centric culture, fueled her ambition. She quickly found herself not only competing alongside but excelling against her idols, including standout skier Eileen Gu. Her first World Cup podium finish came with assistance from Gu, signaling her arrival on the elite stage.

Over the past year, Brown and her coach, Jamie Melton, have meticulously crafted her repertoire of tricks, aiming for success on the World Cup circuit and ultimate preparation for the Olympics. Her determination and focus have translated into significant achievements, securing a podium finish in each of her first three World Cup starts since her December debut. This consistent success has rapidly propelled her to the world number one ranking.

Brown attributes her seamless transition to the elite level to a process-driven mindset. She emphasizes her love for competing and the adrenaline rush of landing her runs, focusing on executing performances she can be proud of rather than getting caught up in specific scores or rankings. This approach helps her treat Olympic qualification like any other competition, managing the immense pressure that comes with the global stage. Her brother, James, also competes in freeski halfpipe, and their friendly rivalry fosters a supportive yet competitive environment that pushes both athletes to excel.

As she prepares for the women’s freeski halfpipe qualification round, all eyes are on the young Australian. Her rapid ascent from a newcomer to a world leader in a highly technical sport underscores the critical role of access to specialized training facilities and early mentorship. Brown’s debut at Milano Cortina 2026 represents not just a personal milestone but a testament to the potential unleashed when talent meets opportunity and dedicated coaching.

Indra Brown’s emergence as a top-ranked, 15-year-old medal contender highlights the evolving landscape of winter sports, where young athletes, given the right environment and mentorship, can rapidly achieve elite status, setting new benchmarks for competitive excellence and inspiring a new generation.