Krista Ford’s entry into the world of powerlifting and bobsledding is a tale of athleticism, perseverance, and unexpected turns. Her journey began in high school, where her track and field coach first spotted her potential for weightlifting. Initially set on a path towards the Olympics in track and field, Krista’s aspirations shifted as she moved to California, a state known for its fitness culture. There, a gym owner recognized her potential in bodybuilding, sparking her interest in competitive weightlifting.
Upon returning home, Krista immersed herself in bodybuilding competitions. It was not long before someone suggested she try powerlifting, a sport she quickly fell in love with and has pursued for over 41 years. Her foray into bobsledding came almost unexpected. While receiving an award at a powerlifting event, Krista was approached by a woman who suggested she would excel in bobsledding, a sport in need of stronger women. Intrigued, Krista tried out for the U.S. team and successfully became a dual athlete, competing in both powerlifting and bobsledding.
Over her four-decade career, Krista has amassed numerous accolades, including 14 national championships and seven world championships in powerlifting. Among her achievements, a bronze medal from a world championship in Macon, France, holds a special place in her heart. Despite its small size, this “goblet” trophy represents her first world champion recognition and remains her most cherished award.
Krista’s upcoming book delves into themes of resilience and navigating a male-dominated landscape, making it a timely release in an era where hope and inspiration are desperately needed. The book, a self-help spiritual memoir, aims to resonate with readers facing trials, aspiring to achieve their dreams, or seeking validation on their life path. Krista hopes her story will inspire others to believe in themselves, maintain faith, and pursue their goals with intention and purpose.
Throughout her career, Krista has faced significant challenges, including experiencing racial prejudice within her bobsledding team. This was a stark contrast to her experience in powerlifting, where she felt more accepted and supported regardless of gender or race. The prejudice she encountered in bobsledding was not from international competitors but from her U.S. teammates, highlighting the unique challenges faced by athletes of color in certain sports. Krista’s response to this adversity was to channel her frustration into her performance, using it as fuel to push harder and succeed, thus proving that her abilities transcended racial barriers.
As the first Black female bobsledder, Krista has become a trailblazer, sharing her experiences and encouraging others to persevere in the face of adversity. She emphasizes the importance of focus, determination, and maintaining a positive outlook, regardless of the obstacles faced. Krista believes that breaking barriers and succeeding in any field requires a clear vision and unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
Krista’s advice to young athletes, especially women aspiring to succeed in male-dominated sports, is to identify their passions and pursue them relentlessly. She encourages them to explore non-mainstream sports, which often offer opportunities for women to excel without the same level of competition found in more popular sports. Her message is clear: find what makes you happy, seek the right mentors and support systems, and go for it with everything you’ve got.
In defining determination, Krista likens it to stubbornness— a refusal to accept limitations or naysayers. For her, determination has been about envisioning a future goal and relentlessly pursuing it, regardless of the challenges encountered along the way. This mindset has been crucial in her success, enabling her to overcome obstacles and achieve her dreams.
Krista’s journey in sports has imparted valuable life lessons, including the importance of structure, teamwork, communication, and resilience. These lessons, she believes, are universal and applicable beyond sports, teaching individuals how to navigate life’s challenges, work collaboratively, and maintain focus on their goals.
Looking ahead, Krista has ambitious plans, including the release of her book, potential film adaptations, and expanding her reach as a motivational speaker. She also continues to train for future competitions, aiming to add more titles to her already impressive list of achievements.
Ultimately, Krista hopes to be remembered as a humble, God-fearing, faith-driven woman who overcame significant challenges to achieve greatness. Her legacy is not just about her accomplishments but also about how she shared her journey and the lessons learned with others. She believes in the power of the 12 laws of the universe and encourages others to cultivate a strong personal relationship with themselves and a higher power to live a fulfilling and magical life.
In sharing her story, Krista Ford embodies the principles of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of sport, leaving a lasting impact on the world of athletics and beyond.
Written by: Journalist Shay
Social Media: @journalistshay
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