Vicky Brookes, the mother of Winter Olympics snowboarder Mia Brookes, has shared her profound pride in her daughter's accomplishments, acknowledging the dedication and effort that has shaped Mia's remarkable journey. Despite not securing a medal, Mia's presence and performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games highlight a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Her family's support, including maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst the intense Olympic environment, played a crucial role in managing the immense pressure and expectations associated with elite competition. This narrative underscores the personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment required to reach the pinnacle of professional sports.
Mia Brookes, a 19-year-old from Sandbach, Cheshire, captivated audiences with her performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. In the big air event, she achieved an impressive fourth place, narrowly missing a podium finish after an over-rotated trick that commentators believed could have earned her gold. Although her Olympic journey concluded with her failure to qualify for the slopestyle final, her mother, Vicky Brookes, recounted the experience as both stressful and exhilarating. She emphasized the difficulty of Mia's path, originating from a region not traditionally associated with full-time mountain sports, and praised her daughter's resilience and mental fortitude under pressure. The family's unique support system involved staying in a camper van near the athletes' village, offering Mia a retreat from the demanding environment. This arrangement allowed her to reconnect with her parents, engaging in everyday activities like shopping, dining, watching movies, and playing with Lego, providing a vital balance to her high-stakes athletic life.
Mia Brookes is already a celebrated figure in the snowboarding world, despite her youth. She made history in 2023 by becoming the youngest senior world champion in the sport. Her accolades also include two gold medals at the X Games, an invitation-only competition renowned as a premier event in action sports. Mia's passion for snowboarding began remarkably early, with her first attempts at just 18 months old at the Kidsgrove Ski Centre in North Staffordshire. Despite her extraordinary achievements and status as an elite athlete, Vicky Brookes fondly describes her daughter as a "normal 19-year-old kid" navigating typical teenage experiences. This dual existence presents ongoing challenges for the family, balancing the demands of her professional career with the need to support her personal growth. Vicky expressed immense pride in Mia's ability to manage the stress and pressure, commending her for performing phenomenally well throughout her career.
The journey of Mia Brookes to the Winter Olympics is a testament to extraordinary talent, relentless hard work, and the unwavering support of her family. Her early start in snowboarding, rapid ascent to world champion status, and impressive performances on the global stage reflect a remarkable dedication to her craft. The behind-the-scenes support from her parents, who provided a sanctuary from the Olympic intensity, highlights the crucial role of personal well-being in an athlete's success. Mia's story is an inspiring example of how passion, perseverance, and a strong support system can lead to remarkable achievements, even when faced with the immense pressures of elite competition.