Delaware Snowboarder Faces Unique Challenge

By Meg Dawes  |  Assoc Editor, Sports

SMYRNA, DELAWARE — A 19-year-old Olympic hopeful from Smyrna says she remains fully committed to her dream of competing in the 2030 Winter Games, despite one minor logistical issue: the complete absence of hills.

Standing confidently in full Olympic-level snowboarding gear in the middle of a lightly dusted cornfield, Ashlynn Swisher explained that while her training regimen is solid, “gravity just isn’t really cooperating.  I’ve got the board, the boots, the jacket, the mindset,” she said. “What I don’t have is anything resembling a slope.”

Swisher, a snowboarder, who has reportedly been training for the French Alps by repeatedly strapping into her board and standing very still, says she makes up for the lack of elevation by visualizing downhill momentum while gently leaning forward.

Local chicken houses behind her have served as both inspiration and altitude benchmarks.

“If I can clear that roof someday, I think I’m ready,” she added.

A spokesman for Governor Meyer confirmed Delaware remains optimistic about producing future Winter Olympians, noting that residents have historically excelled at sports requiring balance, patience, and the ability to wait for something to happen.

Until then, the athlete says she plans to continue training wherever possible, including frozen parking lots, highway on-ramps, and any driveway with “even a hint of ambition.”