Emily Sweeney Captures Luge Silver Medal On U.S. Home Ice At Park City
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Park City, UT
Ashley Farquharson's journey to becoming one of America's top luge athletes began at age 11 when she saw a flier for the Youth Sports Alliance's after-school luge program at Ecker Hill Middle School in Park City, Utah. Following her older brother into the sport, she quickly showed promise. At age 15, she was called to join the Junior National Team, and her rapid progression was marked by three consecutive Norton Junior National Championships from 2017-19. She also competed at the Youth Olympic Winter Games Lillehammer 2016, finishing 10th in the mixed team youth relay.
As her luge career intensified, Farquharson faced a pivotal decision: accept a college softball scholarship or pursue luge at the Olympic Training Center. Her parents encouraged her to choose the sport she loved more, and she chose luge, moving to Lake Placid in 2016. The decision paid off with consistent success: she finished fourth at the 2020 FIL U23 World Championships, won bronze at the 2021 FIL U23 World Championships, and earned her first world cup podium—a silver medal in the team relay in Beijing during the 2021-22 season.
Farquharson made a strong impression in her Olympic debut at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, improving her performance with each run, ultimately finishing 12th overall. Since Beijing, she has continued to excel, winning her first USA Luge National Championship title in 2023 and successfully defending it in 2024.
Beyond the track, Farquharson is committed to building an identity separate from her sport and making winter sports accessible to all families. She makes friendship bracelets through crochet that she hands out to athletes on the international circuit, maintains a sourdough starter, and enjoys roller skating and reading.
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