Her interest in figure skating began at age five while the family was stationed in Eagle River, Alaska. When given the choice between ballet or figure skating, she decisively chose skating, famously telling her mother she wouldn’t do anything "in pink shoes." Her natural talent for the sport was evident early on. Wagner has one brother, Austin Wagner, who was also involved in competitive skating during his youth.

Early Inspiration and Training

Wagner won a gold medal in her very first skating competition, further igniting her passion for the sport. In 1998, she was deeply influenced by Tara Lipinski's gold medal performance at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. This moment inspired Wagner to commit herself to becoming an Olympian.

Her training began in earnest in locations such as Kansas City and Tacoma, Washington, before the family eventually settled in Portland, Oregon. There, she was coached by Dody Teachman, known for previously working with Tonya Harding. This period marked a critical stage in Wagner's development as a competitive skater.

Competitive Skating Career

Ashley Wagner competed professionally in figure skating from 2005 to 2018. Throughout her career, she earned numerous accolades, including the 2012 Four Continents Championship title and three U.S. National Championships (2012, 2013, and 2015). She also claimed a bronze medal as part of the U.S. team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Known for her expressive performances and technical skill, Wagner was a prominent figure on the international skating scene for over a decade. Despite some injuries and fluctuating placements in the later years of her career, she remained a strong competitor and fan favorite.