It all started in 2012. Colton born and raised 32-year-old Ashley Dyce, saw the Paralympics taking place in London that year and it ignited a fire in her. Dyce specializes in powerlifting but began her journey into athleticism through track and field inspired by watching the Olympics. “It opened my eyes to all of the possibilities,” Dyce explained.
In 2013 Dyce began working out and by 2014 she had begun training with Paralympics field throw Angela Madsen in Long Beach. Twice a week, every week for two years Dyce trained with Madison and then began competing in track and field. Her life has never been the same since. Dyce found something she was passionate about and pursued it non-stop. One thing led to another, and through not giving up and pure dedication she has been ranked 6th in Worlds and is that much closer to making it to the Olympics in 2020.
Dyce was diagnosed with spina bifida when she was born. Spina bifida is a spinal cord injury that occurs during the development process in the womb. Her spinal cord did not fully develop and caused paralysis in the lower half of her body. While this may prevent her from the usage of her legs, she has developed astounding upper body strength and uses that potential in her powerlifting competitions.
The first competition that Dyce entered back in 2014 occurred in Arizona for Track & Field and then she began powerlifting in 2016. Her start weight, in the beginning, was 135 lbs. She has successfully placed in all 12 competitions, coming in at 2nd place or higher.
Dyce recently suffered an arm injury that kept her at rest for six months. During those six months, Dyce was able to relax her muscles as well as refocus her attention onto the world of powerlifting through determination.
She is now back to training and competing, making her way to Worlds. With her trainer Evan Roberts over at Empire Bar Bell in Redlands, they work each week towards this goal. Dyce competes as the only woman on the National team of 10 other people, which ranges in age of 19 through 37. Her lifestyle includes sticking to a high carb and high protein diet so that she can build and keep muscle as well as stay healthy in moments of travel.
She previously competed in February, after resting from her injury, and successfully qualified for Worlds. With this huge accomplishment, she competed once more to up her ranking on April 27th. She did her best lift yet at 245lbs, which puts her at 6th in Worlds, which will take place in July of this year.
Dyce is also a graduate from the Art Institute, majoring with a degree in science and specializing in graphic design. Letting art be her outlet, she also creates and maintains websites and various creative items for local businesses. Through everything, Dyce has always turned to her faith. She commits her time to her local church, Pentecostal City Mission as a minister.
“Since I have a disability I have every reason to be at home and do nothing, but I just keep going,” Dyce told City News Group. “There is something for everybody. As Stephen Hawkins would say, ‘Don’t focus on your limitations, focus on your abilities.’”
Dyce faces many struggles but keeps a brave face living by the motto of; “Adapt or perish" meaning to focus best on your abilities rather than to allow inabilities to define the way one lives their life. Dyce keeps a positive outlook on life and hopes her story of athleticism will inspire others to search and find mediums of creative and physical outlets. Her ongoing training and competitions are made possible through the support of her mother Sharon Dyce and the help of funding through the Challenge Athletes Foundation. The CAF has aided Dyce with grants and scholarships in order to have the opportunity to travel and keep her title in the National team.
Dyce is hoping that anyone who takes a moment to read her story will be inspired. Especially if they are facing hard times from their disabilities. She has gained a world of knowledge and wants to be able to share it with her community. If you would like to support Ashley in her journey to Worlds and Tokyo, you can donate to her Gofundme page by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/road-to-2019-world-championships. All funds donated go towards her travel and training expenses.
Her perseverance and dedication, her willingness to push and never give up, shows in her performance and in her personality. Her smile lights up a room and her story has lifted this city. City News Group wishes you much luck and even more blessings as you work your way to Tokyo. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish!