Australia’s Indra Brown, a rising star in freeskiing, claimed her first-ever victory at the World Cup in Calgary, solidifying her place as one of the most promising talents heading into the Winter Olympics next month. The 15-year-old’s win makes her the youngest Australian to secure a World Cup victory in this category, a remarkable achievement in her early career.
Unstoppable Start to World Cup Career
Indra Brown’s World Cup career has gotten off to a thrilling start, having placed on the podium in all her first three events. Her win in Calgary is another milestone, putting her in the same league as Jennie-Lee Burmansson, who set a World Cup record by earning podium finishes in her first three slopestyle events during the 2017–18 season.
After her victory, Brown shared her excitement: “I’m overjoyed and thrilled to have landed a solid run and performed well in these conditions today.” Her first run earned an 85.20 score, which no other competitor could surpass.
Close Competition from Zhang Kexin and Svea Irving
In second place, Zhang Kexin from China scored 84.20, while Svea Irving from the USA finished third with a score of 83.20. Brown’s victory pushed her to the top of the women’s freeski halfpipe standings, where she now holds 240 points, 55 points ahead of Zhang.
Breaking Records for Australian Freeskiing
With this win, Brown has set several significant records. She became the youngest Australian to win a World Cup event and is the first from Australia to secure three World Cup podium finishes. She had previously earned a third-place finish at Secret Garden, China, and a second-place result at Copper Mountain, USA, before the Christmas break.
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Eyes on the Winter Olympics
Indra Brown’s victory in Calgary places her at the top of the women’s freeski halfpipe standings, but her spot on the Australian Winter Olympics team remains unconfirmed. The selection will take place after the final World Cup event in Aspen, USA, from January 8–10.
As the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, are set to begin on February 6, Brown’s World Cup success makes her a strong contender for a place on the Australian team.
