In a stunning display of talent and composure, 15-year-old Australian freeskier Indra Brown has claimed a historic gold medal at the World Cup halfpipe event in Calgary, Canada. This victory marks her first World Cup win and significantly bolsters her bid for a spot at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
A Meteoric Rise to the Top
The Melbourne-born athlete's ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. This was only her third career World Cup start, following a bronze medal debut in Secret Garden, China, and a silver at Copper Mountain in the United States. Her golden run in Calgary now makes her the youngest Australian ever to win a World Cup event in any skiing discipline.
"I'm really excited and happy to be here, and excited for more," said an elated Brown after her triumph. The win propels her to the top of the World Cup standings at the season's halfway point, with 240 points—a commanding 55-point lead over China's Zhang Kexin.
Dominant Performance on the Pipe
Brown seized control of the competition from her very first run, posting a score of 85.20 that none of her rivals could surpass. China's Zhang Kexin took silver with 84.20 points, while American skier Svea Irving secured bronze with 83.20. Last season's overall champion, Li Fanghui, was relegated to fourth place.
Her winning routine was a technical masterpiece, featuring a complex sequence of tricks:
- A left side 900 safety
- A right side cork 900 safety
- A left 720 safety
- A switch right 540
- A switch left 360 mute
- A final leftside alley-oop 360 Japan
Historic Achievement and Olympic Dreams
With this victory, Brown matches a Freestyle Ski World Cup record set by Sweden's Jennie-Lee Burmansson in the 2017-18 season. She also becomes the only Australian to secure more than two freeski halfpipe World Cup podiums, surpassing the previous record of two held by Davina Williams and Amy Sheehan.
While her place on the Australian team for the 2026 Winter Olympics is yet to be formally confirmed, it is now considered a near certainty. The final selection will be determined at the Aspen Snowmass World Cup event from January 8-10. Brown's dominant form at this penultimate qualifying event has made her one of Australia's brightest prospects for the Games in Italy.
