Schoolgirl Indra Brown soars as freeski’s superstar predicts 16-year-old’s ‘time will come’
Guardian Sport
by Australian Associated PressFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
16-year-old Indra Brown, an Australian freeski prodigy from Melbourne, made history by finishing fifth in the halfpipe final at the Milano Cortina Games. Despite her young age, she had been a strong contender to become Australia’s youngest Winter Olympic medalist, aiming to secure a seventh medal for her country. However, her quest ended in fifth place during the spectacular final. Eileen Gu, a renowned freeski star, praised Brown, predicting a bright future filled with many medals ahead for the rising talent.
Indra Brown has rapidly emerged as a skiing sensation, skyrocketing from relative obscurity to topping the World Cup standings this season. Her performance at the Milano Cortina Games showcased her exceptional skills and determination, even as she fell short of the podium. The event marked a historic moment for Australian skiing, with the country achieving its most successful winter Olympics to date.
Brown’s near miss on becoming Australia’s youngest medalist highlights her immense potential in the competitive world of freeskiing. Though she didn’t secure a medal this time, her fifth-place finish demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level alongside seasoned athletes. Her journey from schoolgirl to international sports star serves as an inspiration, proving that talent and dedication can propel even the youngest competitors to great heights.
The significance of Brown’s performance lies in her ability to challenge expectations and redefine possibilities for young athletes in skiing. As Eileen Gu noted, Brown’s future is promising, with a likely path to numerous medals on the global stage. Her story resonates not only with sports enthusiasts but also with anyone who admires determination, skill, and the pursuit of excellence.
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/22/2026