MILAN, 19 February 2026 – Australian teenage sensation Indra Brown is set to make her highly anticipated Olympic debut today at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The 16-year-old Melbourne schoolgirl, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the freestyle skiing world over the past three months, enters the women’s freeski halfpipe qualifications as a genuine gold medal contender.
Olympic Debut and Current Form
As of Thursday, 19 February, Brown is the focal point of Australia’s Day 13 campaign. Despite a recent snowstorm in Italy that has played havoc with the outdoor schedules, Brown has been spotted braving sub-zero temperatures to complete her final training runs on the Olympic halfpipe. She is currently coached by Jaime Melton, the former mentor of Olympic legend Eileen Gu, a partnership that has seen Brown transition from a promising junior to the world’s top-ranked halfpipe skier in a single season.
Brown’s journey to the 2026 Games has been record-breaking. After turning 16 just weeks ago, she arrives in Milan with a formidable resume from the 2025–26 World Cup circuit, including a gold medal in Calgary and a silver medal at her Winter X Games debut in Aspen last month.
Career Highlights and Milestones
Indra Brown’s ascent is considered one of the most rapid in Australian winter sports history. Before her 16th birthday, she had already secured her place as the youngest Australian ever to medal on a World Cup debut. Her technical proficiency was honed during spring ski camps in Calgary, where she was mentored by Canadian Olympic legend Cassie Sharpe.
| Event/Milestone | Date/Season | Result/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup Debut | 12 December 2025 | First World Cup Podium |
| Calgary World Cup | January 2026 | Gold Medal |
| Winter X Games (Aspen) | January 2026 | Silver Medal |
| Winter Olympic Debut | 19 February 2026 | Qualified as World No. 1 |
| Year of Birth | 2010 | Youngest 2026 Aussie Olympian |
The “Eileen Gu” Comparison
Public and media interest in Brown has intensified due to her connection with coach Jaime Melton. Comparisons to Eileen Gu have become frequent in the lead-up to today’s qualifiers. Like Gu, Brown has demonstrated an ability to perform high-consequence tricks with a level of composure that belies her age. Australian Olympic officials have noted that Brown is the nation’s “last major hope” for a gold medal in the closing days of the Milano Cortina Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Indra Brown?
Indra Brown is 16 years old. She celebrated her 16th birthday in late January 2026, shortly before the commencement of the Winter Olympics.
What event does Indra Brown compete in?
She competes in Freestyle Skiing, specifically the Women’s Freeski Halfpipe.
Who is coaching Indra Brown at the 2026 Olympics?
She is coached by Jaime Melton, a renowned freestyle skiing coach who previously worked with multi-Olympic gold medallist Eileen Gu.
Where is Indra Brown from?
Brown is from Melbourne, Australia, and was a student there before her professional skiing career took her to international training bases in Canada and Europe.