Mia Brookes, the 19-year-old British snowboarder, is making a significant impact in her Olympic debut by qualifying for the Big Air final at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. Brookes finished third in the qualifiers, showcasing her talent with two impressive runs despite a rough start on her first attempt. Her ascent in the sport has been highly anticipated, as she has consistently medalled at various competitions around the globe throughout her young career.
Mia’s journey in snowboarding began at just 18 months old when she took her first lessons at Kidsgrove ski centre, inspired by family influences. Her grandfather was a ski instructor, and both of her parents were avid snowboarders who spent several seasons in Chamonix. Her father, Nigel, shared that they frequently took Mia on snow trips, cultivating her love for parks, jumps, and rails early on. She eventually honed her skills at The Snow Centre Manchester, eventually competing at the British Snowboard Championships in Laax at the age of 11.
Brookes made her international competition debut in December 2020 at 13, where she finished second in a Europa Cup event held in Piz Corvatsch, Switzerland. Just two years later, she became the junior world champion in Big Air and took home a second-place finish in slopestyle, marking herself as a rising star in the snowboarding scene.
In 2023, Mia achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest snowboard world champion after winning a title in slopestyle. Her groundbreaking performance included landing the CAB 1440 double grab, a technically challenging move, further establishing her as an elite athlete in the sport. She has since received numerous accolades, including recognition as the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year and The Sunday Times Young Sportswoman of the Year.
Beyond her competitive pursuits, Brookes maintains a well-rounded athletic lifestyle, enjoying mountain biking, skateboarding, and surfing – activities that complement her training. Her commitment to strength training exemplifies her understanding of the various elements required to excel in snowboarding. Mia embraces a balanced diet, highlighting her love for dishes like avocado and eggs on bagels and pasta, while ensuring she stays healthy and mindful of her nutrition.
Music also plays a crucial role in her training routine, with her eclectic taste spanning genres from rock to hip hop. Mia often shares her training moments accompanied by tracks from artists like The Smiths and Pantera.
As an elite athlete, she acknowledges the sacrifices that come with the pursuit of excellence, especially regarding social life. Although she sometimes feels the tension of missing out on typical experiences for her age group, Mia remains devoted to her sport, weighing the joy of competing against fleeting social interests. “This is my journey,” she states, emphasizing her passion for snowboarding as her true home.
Mia Brookes’ dedication and achievements inspire both her peers and aspiring athletes, and as she gears up for the Winter Olympics, her future in snowboarding looks exceptionally bright.