Australia's Winter Olympic prospects have received a massive boost following a spectacular golden double at the FIS World Cup in Calgary, Canada. Teenage sensation Indra Brown and comeback star Valentino Guseli both triumphed in the freeski and snowboard halfpipe events respectively, sending a powerful message just weeks before the Milano Cortina Games.
Historic Victory for 15-Year-Old Prodigy
In a remarkable display of composure, 15-year-old Indra Brown became the youngest Australian ever to win a World Cup event. Her victory in the women's freeski halfpipe on Saturday caps a meteoric rise in her first three career World Cup starts. She previously claimed bronze at Secret Garden in China and silver at Copper Mountain in the United States.
Brown seized control from her very first run, posting a score of 85.20 that proved unbeatable. China's Zhang Kexin took silver with 84.20, while American Svea Irving secured bronze with 83.20. Last season's overall winner, Li Fanghui, finished fourth.
This incredible start to her World Cup career means Brown now leads the season standings with 240 points, putting her 55 points clear of her nearest rival. Her achievement matches a record set by Sweden's Jennie-Lee Burmansson in the 2017-18 season.
Guseli's Triumphant Return from Injury
Hours later, the Australian celebration continued as Valentino Guseli, 20, dominated the men's snowboard halfpipe. This victory was particularly sweet as it marked only his second World Cup appearance since recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in December 2024.
Mirroring his teammate's strategy, Guseli set a daunting benchmark with his first run, scoring 87.75. That score held firm for the remainder of the competition. Switzerland's David Habluetzel finished second with 80.00, and Brazil's Patrick Burgener took third with 79.25.
The win in Calgary is a repeat of Guseli's 2024 success at the same venue, fuelling his ambition to compete in all three park and pipe disciplines for Australia at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Olympic Selection Now a Formality
While final selections for the Australian Winter Olympic team will be confirmed at the Aspen Snowmass World Cup from January 8-10, both athletes' places now appear assured. Brown's performance makes her inclusion for the Games in Italy next February almost certain.
"I'm really excited and happy to be here, and excited for more," said an elated Brown after her win. Guseli echoed the sentiment, stating, "It feels good to be back on the top step (of the podium) and I'm looking forward to pushing for more."
This golden double provides perfect momentum for the Australian team, showcasing a blend of youthful brilliance and resilient comeback spirit on the world stage.
