Speed Skating Star Ashley Chin Earns Her Spot In MBOR

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s star in short track speed skating Ashley Chin Sook Hui has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as Malaysia’s First Female Short Track Speed Skater to Compete in Two Asian Winter Games.

In a statement today, MBOR said Ashley is the second national ice skating athlete to be inducted into the national records book, following her former teammate Bryna Ang, who earned a place in 2024 as the first Malaysian female to compete in the junior World Cup short track speed skating championship.

“The recognition honours Ashley’s participation in both the 2017 Asian Winter Games in Sapporo and the 2025 edition held earlier this year in Harbin, China. 

“Her return to the international stage eight years after her debut, and her selection as one of Malaysia’s official flagbearers at the Harbin Games, marked a full-circle moment in a journey shaped by resilience, unwavering dedication, and love for the sport,” it said.

The award was presented today at the Sunway Pyramid Ice Skating Rink, where Ashley first laced up her ice-skates.

Meanwhile, MBOR chief operating officer Jwan Heah praised Ashley’s outstanding contribution to Malaysian sports, noting that competing on ice at the Asian Winter Games is no easy feat, and she has done it not once, but twice.

“Malaysia is a tropical country where snow and ice are not readily available, nor are sports like skiing and ice skating part of our curriculum. And yet we are constantly inspired by athletes like Ashley who break boundaries,” he said, adding that Ashley's journey is living proof that with grit, belief, and heart, anything can be achieved.

Ashley began skating at the age of 10 and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of Malaysia’s most recognisable names in winter sports.

In addition to her Asian Winter Games appearances, Ashley has earned a bronze medal in the 1000m event and took home gold in the 3000m women’s relay at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.

She later went on to take home gold in the 3000m women’s relay at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines.

Despite limited facilities and funding for winter sports in Malaysia, Ashley has trained relentlessly while balancing her education, international competitions, and national service to the sport. 

MBOR noted that her dedication has not only paved the way for younger skaters but has also helped raise the profile of short track speed skating in Southeast Asia.

In the same statement, Ashley reflected on the mindset that brought her to where she is today, noting that she dared to try, remained unfazed by others’ opinions, and stayed humble while remaining consistent.

“Once you start, there will always be people talking, so don’t care, just do what you love. 

“When you finally reach your goal, remember to stay humble, because it’s the people around you who helped you get there. And most importantly, consistency is everything. It’s like a car with four wheels, lose one, and you can’t go on,” she said.

-- BERNAMA