As the calendar flipped to 2026, marking an Olympic year, the Brown household in Calgary, Canada, celebrated with a unique twist. Indra Brown, a 15-year-old Melbourne schoolgirl, was not just celebrating the New Year but also her burgeoning career in snow sports. “I got some practice over New Year’s helping the parents pop some bottles,” Brown humorously told ABC Sport, highlighting a moment that was both innocent and indicative of her rising star status.
In December, Brown made history as the youngest Australian snow sport World Cup medallist, clinching bronze in the Olympic halfpipe at the Secret Garden resort in Zhangjiakou, China. Despite her young age and it being her World Cup debut, Brown’s performance placed her among legends, sharing the podium with three-time Olympic medallist Eileen Gu and world champion Zoe Atkin.
Breaking New Ground in Snow Sports
Brown’s entrance into the world of elite snow sports has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her debut performance in the World Cup circuit was a testament to her talent and determination. Despite her inexperience, she seemed at home on the snow, a stark contrast to her initial hesitance with celebratory champagne corks. Fortunately, Gu, a global icon in freestyle skiing, was there to assist, creating a memorable and heartwarming moment.
“It was an extremely special moment,” Brown reflected. “Just to stand there with an idol that I’ve looked up to for so long. That big-sister moment with her helping me out with the champagne, that made it even better.”
Record-Breaking Start
Brown’s rapid ascent in the sport has been remarkable. With just five FIS World Cup starts under her belt, she has already been named to the Australian Winter Olympic team for the Milan Cortina Games. Her journey from family trips to Mount Hotham to competing on the world stage is a story of passion and perseverance. “I think I just loved the thrill of it,” she shared, reflecting on her early love for skiing.
Her achievements include a third-place finish on debut in Zhangjiakou, a second place in Copper Mountain, Colorado, and a gold medal in Calgary. “I think I just wanted to go in and land a run,” Brown said of her breakout debut performance. “I’ve been working really hard this season. So just to go out there and land a run I was really happy with … and then get the result I got, just made it even more incredible.”
Support and Community
Brown’s success is supported by a close-knit family and a welcoming community. Traveling with her mother and younger brother, while her father and siblings remain in Melbourne, the family dynamic plays a crucial role in her journey. “For us it’s just wonderful,” her father Grant expressed. “The happiness that the sport gives Indra.”
Grant emphasized the importance of community in the sport, noting how athletes from around the world come together, forming bonds that transcend competition. “That sense of community is a really, really important thing,” he said, highlighting the supportive environment that has allowed Indra to thrive.
Young Olympians and Future Aspirations
Brown joins the ranks of young Australian Olympians, following in the footsteps of Scotty James and Britteny Cox. She has sought advice from fellow athletes like Val Guseli, gaining insights into the Olympic experience. “It’s such a special, once-in-a-lifetime thing,” she said. “So just taking it in, not putting any pressure on myself, just having fun, enjoying the moment and just seeing where I go.”
Her family’s support extends beyond emotional encouragement, providing her with Australian staples like Weetbix and Up and Go, ensuring she maintains a connection to her roots. Despite her Canadian twang, Brown’s allegiance to Australia remains strong: “No,” she said, “I’m full Aussie.”
Looking Ahead to Milan
As Brown prepares for the Milan Cortina Games, she does so with the confidence and poise of a seasoned athlete. Her journey is a testament to the power of dreams and the support of family and community. “It’s a dream come true to be able to represent Australia at the Olympics,” she said. “It’s something I think, once I really start to get into skiing, I wanted to do for so long and dreamt of.”
With her remarkable rise and the support of those around her, Indra Brown heads to Milan not just as a participant, but as a genuine medal contender. Her story is one of inspiration, a young athlete daring to dream and achieving beyond expectations.
