Ashley Hayden Walden.

Byline: Dave Nordman

Member of the U.S. National Luge Team

Ashley Hayden Walden, 28, of Westboro has been a member of the U.S. National Luge Team since 1998. She finished eighth in the women's singles event at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, but missed qualifying for the 2006 Olympics. She is currently competing for a spot in the 2010 Olympics, which will take place in Vancouver in February.

What is your "typical" day like?

Right now, we have on-ice training from 8 to 10 a.m. After that we have video review of the ice training. After lunch we have weight training from 1-2:30 p.m., followed by either start training or an agility or (medicine) ball workout. We end the day with recovery in the sports medicine clinic, which usually consists of stretching and ice baths.

How did you get involved in the sport of luge?

I started in luge through the slider search program (www.usaluge.org/tryluge/slidersearch.php). I tried out in Danvers in 1995.

What is your most memorable moment in the sport?

The 2002 Olympic Games (in Salt Lake City, Utah) were probably the most memorable, especially the opening ceremonies. It was the payoff for years of hard work and dedication, and not many athletes get to experience Olympic Games in their home country.

Did missing out on the last Olympics make you more or less motivated?

I am always very motivated, but missing the 2006 Olympics has made me a smarter and more well-prepared athlete. Coming into the 2006 Olympics I was the top-ranked U.S. woman. I was focused on the games in February, rather than focusing on the prior races and the selection process. I have learned to focus on the short-term goals and use them as preparation for the Olympics. This way, I make sure that I am where I need to be in February without skipping over the Olympic selection process.

You must be on a strict workout and nutrition regimen?

We have a strict workout regimen, but not a very strict diet. Luge is a gravity sport, so weight helps, but obviously it has to be functional weight. With the amount of energy that we expend training, we generally just need to make sure that we replenish. gatherings

Your husband, Bengt Walden (a naturalized American citizen originally from Sweden), is also a member of the U.S. luge team. How often do you talk about luge away from the track? Do you give each other advice?

We talk about luge on a daily basis. We have our coaches and other athletes

to work with, but we are more honest with each other. We definitely share our experiences, offer advice and just mainly provide support.

What do you do for fun and leisure when you're not competing or training?

We have two puppies that my husband and I like to hike with. I enjoy kayaking and cooking, and love to travel. Each year we try to take a vacation to a new place, but we also love weekend trips. This year, we visited Quebec and Nantucket. Also, I have a pottery wheel that my dad built, and I like to make dishes.

What are your plans for when you retire from luge?

I am still in the process of finishing my college degree, so that will be the first thing to accomplish. My husband owns a gym in Sweden, so we plan to spend half of the year there and half the year in the U.S.

Your advice to young athletes?

Give 100 percent, so you never have to look back and say, "What if?"

How often do you make it back to Westboro?

My parents live in Northbridge, and my mother works for the Westboro school department, so I would say 10 to 15 times a year.

What's something that people would be surprised to know about you?

Even though I do a winter sport, I hate being cold.

ART: PHOTO

PHOTOG: PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM RETTIG

CUTLINE: Ashley Hayden Walden