Teenage snowboarder Brookes misses Olympic medal after daring trick attempt

Brookes came up just short in the Big Air final, but vows to go "all in" for slopestyle event

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Mia Brookes, a 19-year-old snowboarder from Cheshire, England, attempted a risky backside 1620 trick in the Big Air final at the 2026 Winter Olympics, which she had never tried before on snow. While she nearly landed the trick, which would have made her only the second woman to ever do so, Brookes was ruled to have slightly over-rotated and settled for fourth place. Despite the disappointment, Brookes said she has no regrets about going for the daring move, and plans to continue her aggressive, boundary-pushing approach in the upcoming slopestyle event.

Why it matters

Brookes' attempt at the backside 1620 showcased the progression of women's snowboarding, as the sport continues to see athletes pushing the limits of what was previously thought possible. Her willingness to take a big risk on the Olympic stage also highlighted the mentality of many top snowboarders, who prioritize progression and entertainment over conservative, risk-averse strategies.

The details

Heading into her final run in third place, Brookes decided to attempt the backside 1620, a trick involving four and a half rotations in the air. While she nearly landed the historic trick, the judges ruled she had over-rotated slightly, relegating her to fourth place. Brookes said she would rather try the daring move and come up short than play it safe for a potential medal.

  • Brookes attempted the backside 1620 trick in the final run of the Big Air final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno.

The players

Mia Brookes

A 19-year-old snowboarder from Cheshire, England, who is known for her aggressive, boundary-pushing riding style. She was attempting to become only the second woman to land the backside 1620 trick.

Kokomo Murase

The Japanese snowboarder who won the gold medal in the Big Air final.

Zoi Sadowski Synnott

The New Zealand snowboarder who won the silver medal in the Big Air final.

Yu Seungeun

The South Korean snowboarder who won the bronze medal in the Big Air final, competing in just her fifth senior competition.

Aimee Fuller

A two-time Team GB Olympic snowboarder and expert analyst for Olympic broadcaster TNT Sports.

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What they’re saying

“I've never tried it before on snow but it's the Olympics. I gave it everything I could and more but there was just a bit too much power.”

— Mia Brookes (yahoo.com)

“To land that would have been so special. Only one woman has ever done it before and I want to be making history.”

— Mia Brookes (yahoo.com)

“I reckon I'll go for it again in the slopestyle. We'll see how it goes. I'm going all in now. I'm hyped for it. Everything good can come from it. I'm in a good headspace.”

— Mia Brookes (yahoo.com)

“She entered into that new spice level, six and a half full rotations, she got it down, she landed, but it just wasn't quite clean enough in terms of the execution.”

— Aimee Fuller, Two-time Team GB Olympic snowboarder and expert analyst for Olympic broadcaster TNT Sports (yahoo.com)

“This is mind boggling stuff. These are tricks that the men were doing at the last Winter Olympics”

— Aimee Fuller, Two-time Team GB Olympic snowboarder and expert analyst for Olympic broadcaster TNT Sports (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Brookes is also competing in the slopestyle event next week, where she will start as a favorite after winning gold at the recent X Games in Aspen.

The takeaway

Brookes' daring attempt at the backside 1620 trick showcased the progression of women's snowboarding, as athletes continue to push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible. Her willingness to take big risks on the Olympic stage, even if it means falling short of a medal, highlights the mentality of many top snowboarders who prioritize progression and entertainment over conservative strategies.