Indra Brown Finishes Fifth in Winter Olympics Halfpipe Final
Australian teenage sensation Indra Brown narrowly missed out on a medal in the freeski halfpipe final at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, finishing in fifth place. The 16-year-old from Melbourne had been a strong contender to become Australia's youngest Winter Olympic medallist, but her impressive performance fell just short of the podium on the last day of the Games.
Australia's Winter Olympics Campaign Concludes
Brown's result capped off Australia's most successful Winter Olympics to date, with the nation ending the Games with a total haul of six medals, including three golds. Her quest for a seventh medal added excitement to the final events, but she ultimately could not secure a spot among the top three.
In the highly competitive final held at the Livigno Snow Park, Brown faced off against 10 other athletes, including winter sport superstar Eileen Gu from China. Despite a shaky start with scores of 55.50 and 65.00 in her first two runs, Brown delivered a clutch performance in her final attempt.
Brown's Final Run and Praise from Eileen Gu
Under immense pressure, Brown executed a flawless last run, scoring 87.00 points and jumping from 10th to fifth place. Her run featured a 1080 jump with three full revolutions, a trick only one other competitor managed in the final. This effort left her just 5.50 points away from a bronze medal.
After the competition, Brown expressed pride in her performance, telling Channel Nine, "Just really proud of how I was able to improve each run and put it down there when it counted. Really proud of myself." She added, "I'm really stoked to be able to put the 1080 down, that was the best run I've ever landed in competition."
Eileen Gu, who won her third career Olympic gold with dazzling runs of 94.00 and 94.75, personally congratulated Brown. Gu hugged the Australian and praised her, saying, "You did so well." Brown described this as a "really special moment" with someone she idolises.
Medal Winners and Brown's Journey
Eileen Gu took gold, while China's Li Fanghui secured silver with a score of 93.00, and Britain's Zoe Atkin earned bronze with 92.50. Brown's rise to the top has been rapid; just four years ago, she had never seen a halfpipe, and this season she soared to the top of the World Cup standings.
Despite not medalling, Brown's performance highlighted her potential and resilience. She beamed after the event, reflecting on her growth and the support from her family, who watched from the stands. Australia's winter sports community celebrates her achievements as part of a historic Games for the nation.
