[Built, Not Given] The 2024/25 season marked a pivotal chapter in Ashton Salwan’s freestyle aerials journey. Competing across North America, Europe, and Central Asia, Ashton showcased grit, growth, and world-class performance on every stop of the circuit. From Water Ramp competitions to World Cup Finals, this season's results reflect not only his technical progression but also his steady rise among the sport’s elite.
Still Earning It!
Every athlete’s journey is different — and Ashton Salwan’s path has been defined by resilience, belief, and quiet perseverance. From the beginning, Ashton carved his own way. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just a deep love for the sport and an unwavering drive to grow into the best version of himself.
In a field where many follow traditional pathways, Ashton’s route looked different. He spent years building his skills, step-by-step, fueled by the simple belief that hard work would open the right doors when the time was right.
There were challenges, of course — years when progress came slower than expected, and times when the next step wasn’t clear. But instead of discouraging him, these experiences shaped Ashton into the athlete he is today: focused, patient, and ready for every opportunity that comes his way.
A Mindset That Never Changes
Through every phase of his journey, Ashton Salwan lived by one principle: still earning it. It’s more than a motto — it’s a way of approaching every training session, every competition, and every setback. It’s about appreciating that nothing in this sport is handed out lightly — and that the true reward is becoming stronger, sharper, and more grateful through the climb.
It’s also about remembering and honoring every person who extended a hand along the way — coaches, mentors, friends, and teammates, both near and far — who believed in the possibilities before the results were fully visible. For Ashton, that includes Coach Enver, whose technical expertise elevated his skillset; Coach Saundo, whose unwavering presence provided structure and support on the road; and Garage Finisher, whose belief and backing helped make the entire journey possible.
“I’ve learned that you don’t need the perfect setup to keep moving forward - you just need the right mindset and the right people in your corner. That’s what’s made the difference for me.” ~Ashton Salwan
Looking Ahead: 2026
With the 2025 water ramp season kicking off at the end of May, Ashton is preparing for the most exciting challenge yet: earning a spot among the top four U.S. aerialists who will compete at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. This time, he’s stepping into the season not from scratch, but from strength — backed by experience, support, and the same drive that carried him here.
Every repetition. Every breakthrough. Every moment of quiet progress.
It’s all building toward a dream that’s bigger than any single result. Ashton’s journey has never been about shortcuts. It’s been about the steady work, the gratitude for every opportunity, and the unshakable belief that perseverance creates possibility.
Still learning. Still rising. Still earning it — every day.
2024/25 SEASON AT A GLANCE
- U.S. Ski & Snowboard Season Rank #3
- U.S. Team Rank #4
- FIS NorAm Cup Rank #2
- FIS Europa Cup Rank #8
- FIS World Cup Rank #27
- FIS Overall Rank #28
- FIS World Cup Starts: 3/7
- Skill Progression: bFFF
- GMTM Top Ranked Freestyle Skiing Athlete
- Career Milestone: 82 FIS Starts | 6 Years in Sport
2024/25 MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
- 1st Place – Domestic WC Selections (USA)
- 1st Place Synchro – Ruka Europa Cup (FIN) with Team Ukraine’s Dmytro Kotovskyi
- 2nd Place – NorAm Cup Park City (USA)
- 2nd Place – NorAm Cup Quebec (CAN), D2
- 3rd Place – NorAm Cup Quebec (CAN), D1
- 3rd Place – Europa Cup Airolo (SUI), D1
- 4th Place – Europa Cup Airolo (SUI), D2
- 5th Place – National Freestyle Aerials Championships (USA)
- 12th Place - Ruka Europa Cup (FIN), D2
- 19th Place - Ruka Europa Cup (FIN), D1
2024/25 WORLD CUP BREAKTHROUGHS
- 11th Place – Almaty World Cup (KAZ)
- 13th Place – Deer Valley World Cup (USA)
- 18th Place – Lake Placid World Cup (USA)
2024 SUMMER WATER RAMP CONTESTS
- 4th Place – Brisbane Freestyle Aerials Cup (AUS)
- 9th Place – Utah Olympic Park Freestyle Ultimate Airwave (USA)
- 17th Place – Mettmenstetten Freestyle Aerials Cup (SUI)
GLOBAL FOOTPRINT: 2024/25 TRAVEL SCHEDULE
- Switzerland – Mettmenstetten (Zürich) and Airolo (Ticino)
- Australia – Brisbane (Queensland)
- Finland – Ruka (Kuusamo)
- USA – Bristol Mountain (NY), Lake Placid (NY), Deer Valley (UT) and Utah Olympic Park (UT)
- Canada – Lac Beauport (Quebec)
- Kazakhstan – Shymbulak (Almaty)
