
Australian freestyle skiing sensation Indra Brown has announced herself as one of the brightest prospects in the sport with a maiden World Cup victory in the women’s freeski halfpipe at Calgary, Canada. At just 15 years old, Brown continues a remarkable debut season, claiming her third consecutive podium finish on the World Cup circuit.
This historic triumph makes Brown the youngest Australian to win a World Cup event and the first from her country to achieve three podiums in the discipline.
“I’m just full of joy, super happy that I was able to land a run and ski how I did today in these conditions,” Brown said after scoring 85.20 for her opening run, a mark unmatched by any other competitor.
Brown’s Record-Breaking World Cup Start
Brown’s rise mirrors that of Swedish star Jennie-Lee Burmansson, who earned podium finishes in her first three World Cup slopestyle starts during the 2017-18 season. The Australian’s previous results include a third-place finish at Secret Garden, China, and a second-place finish at Copper Mountain, USA, confirming her consistency and adaptability on multiple courses and in varying conditions.
In Calgary, Brown narrowly edged out 23-year-old China’s Zhang Kexin (84.20) and American Svea Irving (83.20) to claim victory.
Implications for Winter Olympics Selection
Brown’s performance has put her at the top of the women’s freeski halfpipe standings with 240 points, 55 clear of Zhang in second. Her selection for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, is not yet confirmed; the final decision will be made after the concluding World Cup event in Aspen, USA, from 8-10 January.
“I’m really happy and stoked, and excited for more,” said Brown, reflecting on her early-season momentum and potential Olympic prospects.
If selected, she will enter the Winter Games as one of the youngest athletes in the field, carrying the hopes of Australian freestyle skiing fans and a growing international profile.
The Future of Australian Freeskiing
Brown’s achievement represents a milestone for Australia in winter sports, a country traditionally less dominant in freeski disciplines. Her early World Cup success demonstrates not only prodigious talent but also remarkable composure under pressure—key attributes for Olympic competition.
Skiing analysts have highlighted Brown’s ability to combine technical precision with high-flying creativity, noting her skill in adapting to different halfpipe courses and competitive pressures.
“Indra is showing the consistency and skill of an athlete far beyond her years. If she continues this trajectory, she could become a defining figure in freeski halfpipe for years to come,” commented a World Cup analyst.
Summary of Key Facts
- Athlete: Indra Brown (Australia)
- Age: 15
- Event: Women’s Freeski Halfpipe
- Location: Calgary, Canada
- Score: 85.20
- Podium: 1st – Indra Brown, 2nd – Zhang Kexin, 3rd – Svea Irving
- World Cup Standings: 240 points, 1st place
- Olympics: Pending selection for 6–22 February 2026, Milan & Cortina
Brown’s breakthrough at Calgary ensures her place in conversations about rising stars in international freeskiing and sets the stage for a potentially historic Winter Olympics debut.


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