'Architects of Excellence' Coaches Series, Part 2
Taken Under His Wing
In March 2024, Ashton Salwan made a bold move that would redefine his path in freestyle aerial skiing: he joined forces with Team Ukraine’s revered Head Coach, Enver Ablaev.
At the time, Ashton was looking to complete the 2023/24 Europa Cup circuit as the lone U.S. competitor — a choice that demanded trust in a coach he’d never worked with before. From their very first training session, Enver’s deep technical knowledge — sharpened by his own competitive career through the 2013/14 season — earned Ashton’s immediate respect. Just as transformative was the warmth of the Ukrainian athletes, who embraced Ashton like family and made his transition seamless.
Lessons Beyond the Jump
One month later, after learning he had not qualified for the U.S. Ski Team, Ashton and his family reached out to Enver once again. That conversation sparked a new opportunity: a three-month training block in Mettmenstetten, Switzerland, where Ashton would live alongside Team Ukraine at the Schluechthof Agricultural School.
Without hesitation Ashton agreed to go and it was here — in a quiet village outside Zurich — that he not only honed his skills but came to understand the gravity of what the Ukrainian team had endured. Amid the backdrop of war, these athletes carried both personal grief and national pride. And still, they trained. Still, they flew.
Teacher, Leader, Father Figure
Over the months that followed, Enver became more than a coach. He was a patriarch — a steady force whose mentorship extended beyond aerial technique. He led with quiet conviction, balanced toughness with empathy, and brought joy into even the most grueling days. Whether setting the tone for early-morning practice sessions or dominating ping-pong matches against his athletes (which he often won), Enver built a team culture grounded in respect, trust, and accountability. His leadership created something few teams ever find: unshakable camaraderie, born from shared purpose.
“Training with Enver changed everything for me. He didn’t just teach me how to jump better — he showed me what it takes to compete and be ready for anything. He made me sharper, tougher, and more grounded.”
~ Ashton Salwan
A Season of Growth
From the sun-soaked water ramps of Switzerland, where Ashton spent three intensive months, to two more in Australia, and finally to the frozen hills of Finland that closed out 2024, Ashton continued to train and compete under Enver’s watchful eye. Across those six months, he was shaped not just as an aerialist, but as a person. The resilience of his Ukrainian teammates, the discipline of the training program, and the unwavering support from Enver all became part of Ashton’s new foundation.
Wherever Ashton's path leads next, he’ll carry with him the perspective, grit, and gratitude that grew from this extraordinary chapter all thanks to Coach Enver Ablaev. What began as a leap of faith became something much greater — a bond that turned foreign ground into home.
Ashton Salwan's 2024/25 Competition Results With Coach Enver Ablaev:
- Ruka (FIN) FIS Freestyle 2024 Europa Cup Mens Aerials Synchro: 1st, Top American
- Airolo (SUI) FIS Freestyle 2025 Aerials Europa Cup: 3rd, Top American
- Airolo (SUI) FIS Freestyle 2025 Aerials Europa Cup: 4th, Top American
- Brisbane (AUS) FIS Freestyle 2024 Aerials Masters: 4th, Top American
- Ruka (FIN) FIS Freestyle 2024 Europa Cup Aerials: 12th, Top American
- Mettmenstetten (SUI) FIS Freestyle 2024 Aerials Masters: 17th, Top American
- Ruka (FIN) FIS Freestyle 2024 Aerials Europa Cup: 19th, Top American