The Sacrifices and Successes of a World-Class Athlete: Ashton Hale
Lauren Kim (‘26), Campus News Editor
Photograph by Alex Lehnertz
In the world of inline speed skating, where split-second decisions and lightning-fast reflexes make all the difference, Ashton Hale shines as a rising star. At just 17 years old, Ashton is a three-time American Champion, a USA Junior World Team Member, and proudly sponsored by Bont, all of which show as a clear demonstration of his skill on the track and his deep dedication to the sport he loves.
Ashton's journey into the world of speed skating began at an incredibly young age. “I started skating when I was two and competing when I was five,” he reminisces. His initiation into the sport was not by chance, but rather a familial legacy intertwined with rollersports and a deep-rooted love for speed.
“My dad did it when he was younger, and he was involved in lots of rollersports due to the family business,” Ashton explains. “He speedskated before he began playing roller hockey. One of the people he knew from the speed skating community suggested that I start speed skating because my dad did it.” With the help of his family’s support and hard work on and off skates, Ashton began on a journey that would continue to shape his character and push his limits.
Through years of training, competition, and a relentless pursuit of success, Ashton has not only become a formidable competitor, but also a well-rounded individual who embodies the values of discipline, leadership, and sportsmanship. “I have learned values such as discipline, how to represent a company/brand, and how to be a mentor for young skaters,” he shares. “I have learned that it is fun to be good at things. I have found out that I do not like losing; I found my competitive spirit. I have learned what it means to represent my country on an international level. I have learned how to be a leader in practices on the local level. I have learned how to teach and help kids who are learning how to skate.” The lessons that Ashton is able to learn from skating and the skating community extend far beyond just training and racing, shaping his character and outlook on life.
However, Ashton's dedication to his sport comes with its share of sacrifices. “I am not home for about a third of the year,” he admits, acknowledging the time spent away from family and friends due to his competition schedule. “I miss time with my family and friends. I feel that I really miss out on school events and experiences with my friends and classmates, such as arts festivals.” Even with these challenges, Ashton effectively juggles his athletic commitments and academic responsibilities. He relies on strategic planning and tools like a planner to stay organized and on track with his schoolwork while pursuing his passion for skating.
For Ashton, the essence of skating lies in the pursuit of victory and the opportunity to represent his brand with distinction. When asked about what matters most to him in a race, he smiled, stating: “Winning. Representing my brand well by providing good results – which is winning.” However, this dedication comes at a personal cost, as Ashton reflects on the moments missed with his family, particularly watching his sisters grow up. “Whenever I come back from even a week-long trip, they are not the same as I remember them being,” he shares, emphasizing the bittersweet reality of chasing his dreams while balancing personal relationships.
Despite the many challenges and sacrifices, Ashton maintains a rigorous training regimen, demonstrating his unwavering determination and work ethic. “[I train] up to three times a day in the summer, and up to two times a day during the school year. I have practice three times a week for two hours each. I also participate in cross country and swimming,” he reveals. With a packed schedule of skating and school, Ashton shares that it can be difficult at times to stay motivated and focused. However, he also reveals how his achievements continue to push him to keep his head down and continue to push through to achieve his goals and dreams, no matter the circumstances.
Among his proudest achievements is making Team USA for the first time in 2022, a milestone that fueled his determination and drive for success. “After not making it in 2021, I... lost the experience of going to Worlds for the first time, so that set me back compared to the people who made the Team that year," Ashton reflects. “My lack of experience motivated me to train even harder, because I knew that I would need it to make the team next year.” As he shares the different facets of his motivation, his achievements and desire for victory are at the headlines of inspiration, illuminating the path for other skaters to follow.
Ashton Hale's story is not just about winning medals or breaking records; it's a narrative of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence against all odds. As he continues to push the boundaries of his sport and inspire others with his dedication, Ashton embodies the spirit of a true champion—one who not only excels on the track but also exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a relentless drive to be the best version of himself, both as an athlete and as a person.
In light of recent news, Ashton just returned from Germany, competing in indoor (arena geisingen international 2024) and outdoor races (Kriterium 2024: Groß-Gerau). He placed 7th for the 10,000m elimination race indoors. Looking forward to upcoming races and events, Ashton plans to compete in Outdoor Nationals and World Team (USA) Trials in Milton, Florida, as well as Indoor Nationals in Lincoln, Nebraska. Finally, the biggest event of the year, the 2024 World Skate Games will be held in Sulmona, Italy as the peak of the season, and Ashton plans to attend this event with Team USA. He will be competing in his last year of the Junior Division.
This is a republished article posted from permission from the author. The original article can be found here.