So close to a world first: Mia Brookes finishes fourth in big air

Mia Brookes, 19, came heartbreakingly close to a historic moment, finishing fourth in the women's snowboard big air final at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo. It was the kind of day that held the promise of a world first for Britain but ended with a podium place just out of reach. Brookes had shown the potential to spearhead a breakthrough for Team GB, weaving together speed, amplitude and style in spurts that left her competing with the sport’s brightest stars. Although the fourth place is a commendable result, the final it produced left British fans craving more after such a buoyant lead‑up to the event.

Brookes’ journey to the final included a nervy start in qualification, where she recovered from an early hiccup to book a spot among the top competitors. In the big air final, she carried herself with the confidence that helped make her one of the sport’s most talked‑about young talents, delivering big runs and clean landings that kept her in podium contention for much of the competition. In the end, though, the scoring line didn’t swing in her favor, and the medal moments slipped away just as the crowd roared for a possible British breakthrough on snow.

The day extended beyond the mountain to another corner of Team GB’s Olympic campaign. Earlier, Dodds and Mouat’s bid in mixed doubles curling ended in a 9‑3 semi‑final defeat by Sweden, ending hopes of a first Olympic medal for their discipline this cycle. They now turn their focus to bronze, with a Tuesday 13:05 GMT showdown against hosts Italy, the defending world and Olympic champions, in Cortina. The contrasts of triumph and heartbreak on a single day showcased the volatile, thrilling nature of the Games and the grit that British athletes bring to every event, no matter the outcome.

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