Can GB's Brookes Secure Slopestyle Gold at the X Games?

Great Britain's Mia Brookes, at just 19 years old, is set to make her mark at the Winter Olympics, having recently won gold in the women's snowboard slopestyle at the X Games in Aspen. With a remarkable score of 96.33, she outperformed competitors Zoi Sadowski-Synnott of New Zealand and Japan's Kokomo Murase, who took silver and bronze, respectively. Brookes will compete in both slopestyle and big air events during her Olympic debut, building on her impressive trajectory that includes a World Cup victory in Beijing.

Last updated: 04 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

Mia Brookes is currently riding a wave of success as she prepares for her first Winter Olympics set to commence on 6 February 2024 in Milan-Cortina. Her recent gold medal at the X Games adds to her impressive list of achievements this season, solidifying her status as a medal contender. Brookes' victory not only showcases her talent but also represents a significant milestone for British snowboarding, signalling a bright future for the sport.

Key takeaways

Mia Brookes won gold in the women's snowboard slopestyle at the X Games with a score of 96.33.
She is competing in her first Winter Olympics starting 6 February 2024.
Brookes has previously won gold at the Beijing Big Air World Cup in December 2023.
She became snowboarding's youngest world champion at 16, winning slopestyle gold in 2023.

Timeline: how we got here

Several key milestones have shaped Mia Brookes' journey to the Winter Olympics:

December 2023: Brookes wins gold at the Beijing Big Air World Cup, marking her third World Cup victory.
January 2024: She secures gold in the women's snowboard slopestyle at the X Games in Aspen on 1 February.
February 2024: Brookes is set to represent Great Britain at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, competing in both slopestyle and big air events.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Mia Brookes' recent success at the X Games is the latest highlight in her burgeoning career, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest levels. Her victory with a score of 96.33 indicates her readiness and confidence as she heads into the Olympics.

What was already established

Brookes had previously established herself as a formidable athlete in snowboarding, having won multiple World Cup events, including becoming the youngest world champion in snowboarding history with her slopestyle gold in 2023. Her trajectory has positioned her as a strong contender for medals at the upcoming Olympics.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Mia Brookes' achievements have sparked interest in winter sports across the UK, likely leading to increased viewership of the Winter Olympics. Her success may inspire young athletes and contribute to greater investment in snowboarding and other winter sports at grassroots levels.

Businesses and jobs

The visibility of athletes like Brookes can bolster the winter sports industry in the UK, potentially leading to increased sales in sporting goods and gear. Furthermore, her success may encourage more events and competitions, creating jobs within the sector.

Policy and regulation

Brookes' representation in the Winter Olympics highlights the need for continued support and investment in winter sports by UK governing bodies. As young athletes gain international recognition, discussions around funding and resources for training facilities may become more prominent.

Numbers that matter

96.33: Mia Brookes' winning score at the X Games, showcasing her competitive edge.
19: Age of Mia Brookes, highlighting her as one of the youngest competitors at the Winter Olympics.
4: Number of World Cup wins for Brookes, indicating her established prowess in snowboarding.
1: The rank of Brookes in the recent X Games, affirming her top status in the sport.

Definitions and jargon buster

Slopestyle: A snowboarding discipline where competitors navigate a course featuring jumps, rails, and other obstacles.
Big Air: A snowboarding event that involves performing tricks while launching off a large jump.
X Games: An extreme sports event featuring various disciplines such as snowboarding and skateboarding.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Winter Olympics begin on 6 February 2024, attention will be on Brookes as she competes in both the slopestyle and big air events. Her performance will be closely monitored as she aims to secure medals for Team GB.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, Brookes may seek to continue her momentum in future competitions and potentially prepare for the next World Cup season. Her experiences at the Olympics could also shape her training and competition strategies moving forward.

Signals to watch

Performance results at the Winter Olympics in February 2024.
Subsequent World Cup events and Brookes' participation in them.
Media coverage and public interest in snowboarding in the UK following the Olympics.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Mia Brookes' competitions during the Winter Olympics for insights into her progress.
Engage with local winter sports communities to explore opportunities in snowboarding.
Support UK athletes through viewership and promotion of winter sports events.

Don’t

Assume that success at the Olympics guarantees future success; each season presents new challenges.
Neglect the importance of training and preparation for aspiring athletes.
Overlook the impact of grassroots support for winter sports in the UK.

Checklist

Stay updated with competition schedules and results for the Winter Olympics.
Research local snowboarding clubs and facilities for training opportunities.
Engage with social media channels of winter sports to follow athletes and events.
Consider attending local competitions to support UK athletes.
Explore sponsorship opportunities for young athletes in winter sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Mia Brookes shows great promise, it is essential to recognise the uncertainties surrounding any athlete's performance at the Olympics. Factors such as weather conditions, injuries, and competition pressure can significantly impact outcomes. Additionally, as Brookes is still young, her career trajectory may evolve in unpredictable ways.

Bottom line

Mia Brookes' achievements in snowboarding not only elevate her profile as a competitor but also enhance the visibility of winter sports within the UK. As she prepares for her Olympic debut, her success serves as both inspiration and a call to support the future of winter sports in Britain.

FAQs

What events will Mia Brookes compete in at the Winter Olympics?

Mia Brookes will compete in both the women's snowboard slopestyle and big air events at the Winter Olympics.

What notable achievements has Mia Brookes accomplished prior to the Olympics?

Before the Olympics, Mia Brookes won gold at the Beijing Big Air World Cup and most recently at the X Games in Aspen.

How old is Mia Brookes and why is this significant?

Mia Brookes is 19 years old, making her one of the youngest athletes competing at the Winter Olympics, showcasing the potential for a long and successful career ahead.