Mid-July, 37-week-pregnant freestyle skier Ashley Caldwell spent a weekend shoveling 11 truckloads of dirt out of her driveway, a personal ritual she described as “nesting.” Her husband, Justin Schoenefeld, joked, “Ashley, we don’t have to do all of it,” to which she replied, “No, we’re doing it all.” The effort was part of a larger pattern of relentless preparation that has defined her career.
A Career Built on Early Commitment
Caldwell left her Virginia home at 13 to attend an elite winter sports academy in Lake Placid, New York. While training as an aerialist, she performed flips and tricks that earned her the distinction of being the only woman to land a quadruple-twisting triple backflip. She joined the U.S. Ski & Snowboard national team in 2010 and has competed in four Olympics, winning a gold medal in the 2022 team event alongside Schoenefeld.
Training Amidst Pregnancy
On July 15, Caldwell trained at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard facility in Park City, Utah, a week before giving birth. She had also mountain-biked and squatted nearly 100 pounds at the training center the day before her delivery. Despite the physical demands, she remained focused on qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, a goal she had pursued for years.
The Delivery and Immediate Recovery
On July 16, Caldwell delivered a son named Harvey after 26 hours of labor. Seven months remained until the Olympics, and she immediately began assessing how to regain weight, core strength, and ligament stability. “Right away,” she said, “How quickly can I drop weight? How quickly can I get my stomach muscles back? How quickly can I be strong enough and get my ligaments back together?”
The Weight of Olympic Ambition
Caldwell’s determination to compete again is rooted in a lifelong drive to push boundaries. She has said, “I’ve been to the last four Olympics. If I’m not there at the next one, I’ll be like, what the heck?” Her partner, Schoenefeld, encouraged her, replying, “Come back when you’re 36.” These statements illustrate the emotional stakes she faces as a mother and athlete.
Support from Fellow Olympians
Fellow four-time Olympian Faye Gulini, a U.S. snowboarder, shared her own experience of balancing family and sport. Gulini said, “The very reason I thought I was done snowboarding, having kids and starting a family, was the very reason that I wanted to return.” She added, “It was no longer about me and my journey. It was about us and our journey and what I could teach them and show them and experience with them. And it just gave me so much motivation to try – for them.”
Navigating the Logistics of a Comeback
Qualifying for Milan Cortina would require Caldwell to travel to Australia, Finland, and China, and to coordinate with her husband’s schedule. The article notes that she would need additional family help for the weeks of travel, and that her ability to maintain training would be affected by childcare responsibilities. She ultimately decided not to attempt a comeback this winter, citing logistical and financial challenges.
Financial and Institutional Resources
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) created a guide listing available resources for parents, including private lactation spaces and psychological support. The International Olympic Committee announced that Olympians with children would receive a “Little Champions” kit from Pampers and that there would be no restrictions on breastfeeding at the Games. These resources illustrate the evolving support structure for athlete-parents.
Personal Reflections on Motherhood
Caldwell reflected on the shift in her priorities, stating, “I want to be the best in the world at freestyle skiing. Now I want to be the best in the world of being a mom.” She emphasized that motherhood had become her new focus, while still acknowledging the competitive instinct that remains.
The Decision to Pause
She acknowledged that she might have chosen differently had she not already achieved significant success. “I’m proud that Gulini is going for the Olympics, just as I was ultimately content to end my bid,” Caldwell said. The article highlights that professional women’s athletes face intense pressure when balancing family and career.
Key Takeaways
- Ashley Caldwell, 32, shovels 11 truckloads of dirt while 37-weeks pregnant, then delivers a son after 26 hours of labor.
- She has competed in four Olympics, won a 2022 gold medal, and aims for a 2026 comeback.
- Support from fellow Olympians and USOPC resources illustrate growing attention to athlete-parent needs.
Closing
Ashley Caldwell’s story blends the grit of elite competition with the realities of new motherhood. Her decision to pause a 2026 Olympic pursuit underscores the complex choices athletes face when life’s milestones intersect with the demands of sport. Whether she returns to the slopes in the future, her journey remains a powerful reminder of the resilience required to balance ambition and family.
