'An incredible feeling': Aussie schoolgirl Indra Brown, 15, wins historic World Cup medal
Melbourne schoolgirl Indra Brown created history in the freeski halfpipe in China on Saturday, becoming the youngest Australian to win a World Cup medal in winter sport.
Brown, the 15-year-old daughter of a man dubbed "Captain Underpants" because he famously fought off home invaders in his jocks, snared bronze in the freeski halfpipe at a World Cup event at Secret Garden.
Astute judges are so bullish about the teen star that they expect her to be a genuine medal contender at the 2026 Winter Olympics, taking place in Italy in February.
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Making her World Cup debut on Saturday, Brown registered a score of 82 points to share the podium with Chinese superstar Eileen Gu — a dual Olympic gold medallist — and Great Britain's Zoe Atkin.
Gu won with 91.75 points and Atkin picked up silver with 90.25 points.
Melbourne schoolgirl Indra Brown, 15, on the podium after creating Australian winter-sport history in China. FIS/Li Runsheng
In an indication of just how promising a talent Brown is, Australia's previous youngest World Cup medallists were snowboarders Torah Bright and Valentino Guseli, who landed on the podium aged 16.
Bright won Olympic gold in the snowboard halfpipe in Vancouver in 2010, while Guseli has claimed three crystal globes, awarded to the overall World Cup season winners.
"To podium in my first World Cup is an incredible feeling, especially to be able to share it with my idols," Brown said.
"I was able to keep my composure in the tough conditions today by staying calm and reminding myself of what I need to do to land my run.
"It's a dream come true to share the podium with such incredible athletes, and it's a moment I'll never forget."
Brown won bronze at the venue that hosted freeski halfpipe at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Ten athletes were in the final. The only two who beat the 15-year-old Australian — Gu and Atkin — are 22.
Some of the athletes the 2010-born Brown defeated were born in the 1990s.
The rising star said the support from home had been "amazing".
"I've loved staying connected with everyone," Brown said, "and seeing all the messages from friends, family and reporters."
She will next compete at an American World Cup event at Cooper Mountain, Colorado on December 21 (AEDT).
