From chasing dreams on the rink at Sunway Pyramid to earning a place in the Malaysia Book of Records, Ashley Chin Sook Hui has proven that winter sports success is possible even in a country without snow. She now stands as the first Malaysian female short track speed skater to compete in two editions of the Asian Winter Games, a milestone that has inspired athletes nationwide.
Image credit: Malaysia Book of Records (Facebook)
Her story on the ice started with figure skating, eventually leading her to the thrilling world of short track speed skating
Ashley’s skating story began with figure skating, a sport she trained in for several years. But it was a short track speed skating camp in Malaysia that changed everything. Drawn in by the speed, precision, and adrenaline of racing around a tight oval track on long, thin blades, she knew she had found her calling.
“It’s a completely different world compared to figure skating,” Ashley explained. “We use long, thin blades, race around a tight oval track, and skate in a deep, low position like a Ferrari hugging the corners.”
She doesn’t just love skating, she truly enjoys every moment on the ice
Speaking to Wah Piang, Ashley said skating is so much more than a sport; it’s her identity. She thrives on the chill of the rink, the rush of speed, and the sound of blades cutting through the ice.
“It all just feels right. And I live for the adrenaline — it pushes me beyond my limits every time,” she said with a smile.
Image credit: Ashley Chin Sook Hui
Ashley’s daily training paved the way for her to become Malaysia’s first female short track speed skater to compete in two Asian Winter Games
Balancing a career and elite sport requires careful discipline. Ashley’s training day often begins with cardio in the morning, before heading to work. Evenings are packed with strength training, off-ice drills, and late-night ice sessions that sometimes begin at 10 PM. She alternates between cardio and strength work to avoid burnout, but her focus remains constant, maximizing every moment on the ice.
The challenge of training in Malaysia faced by Ashley
Having once trained full-time in Korea, Ashley faced a stark reality upon returning home, access to the ice in Malaysia is scarce. She is limited to just three rink sessions a week, a far cry from the daily training she was used to.
“It’s a huge adjustment,” she said. “Ice time is so limited here, and that makes it tough to maintain the same intensity and progress.”
She has endured not only the physical toll of the sport but also the mental battles that come with it
Ashley’s career was interrupted by a serious ankle injury that required months of recovery and physiotherapy. The mental battle was as difficult as the physical one, with doubts about whether she could perform at her best again.
The COVID-19 lockdown made matters worse, closing rinks nationwide and forcing her away from the sport for years. But when she finally returned to the ice, the feeling was overwhelming.
“It felt like coming home. The moment I stepped back onto the ice, I felt like myself again. Until today, I can truly say I’m happier than ever. I feel super blessed and grateful to still be able to do what I love.”
Her comeback to the 2025 Asian Winter Games, with only three months of preparation, felt almost impossible. Yet just standing on competition ice again, representing Malaysia, reminded her of why she started.
Image credit: @hyeminkiim (Instagram)
With the support of her friends, she became even more determined
Ashley later posted on social media, attributing her rapid comeback to the guidance of her coaches and the encouragement of her training partners.
“Growth doesn’t just come from hard work — it comes from being in the right environment. One that uplifts you, supports you, and challenges you to become better every single day,” she said, thanking her coaches for pushing her from zero to peak condition.
Becoming one of the winners at the upcoming 2025 SEA Games (2025 Southeast Asian Games)
With more than ten years on the ice, beginning at just 10 years old and moving into short track by 12, Ashley is ready to pursue her goal of winning a medal at the upcoming 2025 SEA Games.
She stands as living proof that resilience and belief can overcome any barrier
Ashley’s journey is a testament to resilience. From battling injuries and restrictions to making history on the international stage, she has proven that passion can overcome climate, circumstance, and doubt.
“To anyone chasing a dream — don’t give up. The hard days will shape your strength, and your moment will come.”
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