Feb 8, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Mia Brookes of Great Britain in women’s snowboarding big air qualifications during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Team Great Britain snowboarder Mia Brookes may have narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal this week, but those who have followed her journey from the very beginning say her performance reflects years of dedication, confidence, and natural talent.
The 19-year-old from Sandbach, Cheshire finished fourth in the women’s snowboard big air final at the Winter Olympics on Monday. She remained firmly in medal contention until her final attempt, when she over-rotated a highly technical 1620 trick that included four and a half rotations. Commentators noted that a clean landing would likely have put her in gold-medal position.
Despite falling just short of the podium, Brookes’ performance sparked pride and celebration among those who watched her back home. Staff at her former primary school, Elworth Hall in Cheshire, followed the event closely and expressed excitement at seeing a former pupil competing at the highest level of international sport. Educators there say they always believed she was destined for something special.
Brookes stood out even in her earliest school years for her drive and eagerness to take on challenges. She was known for fully committing to every opportunity, whether academic or athletic, and quickly became a prominent figure in school activities. Her competitive spirit extended beyond snowboarding, including repeated success in school cross-country events.
Feb 9, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Mia Brookes of Great Britain in the women’s snowboarding big air final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Her Olympic appearance adds to an already remarkable résumé. In 2023, Brookes became the youngest senior world champion in snowboarding, and she has since claimed two gold medals at the X Games, one of the most prestigious events in action sports. Despite her young age, she is already considered one of the sport’s biggest names.
Brookes’ passion for snowboarding began almost as soon as she could walk. She first stepped onto a board at just 18 months old at Kidsgrove Ski Centre in Staffordshire, where she spent years developing her skills. Those who knew her at the centre recall a child who showed no fear and immediately embraced the feeling of gliding downhill.
Her parents, Vicky and Nigel, both enthusiasts of the sport, have been consistent supporters of her ambitions, encouraging her development from the very start.
Although the big air final ended in disappointment, Brookes’ Olympic journey is not over. She is set to compete in the slopestyle event next week at the Milano Cortina Games, offering another opportunity to turn her lifelong determination into an Olympic medal.
