Bodybuilding.com - An Interview With IFBB Pro Figure Competitor Kristal Richardson!

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An Interview With IFBB Pro Figure Competitor Kristal Richardson!

Shawn Ray spends a little time with Kristal Richardson. Here she answers questions about becoming a pro, the advantages of living on the west coast and more. More details follow.

[ Q ] Please explain your Contest History briefly and how you wound up becoming an IFBB Pro Figure Competitor?

[ A ] My contest history is short and sweet. I entered my first competition in March of 2006. It was the San Francisco Steel Rose. I won my class and the overall.

My second competition was the 2006 North American Championship. This was a big show as there were 120+ competitors. I won my class and took second in the overall-this is where I earned my Pro Card.

The Colorado Pro will be my Pro debut and my third competition.

Click Image To Enlarge.
Kristal Richardson.

[ Q ] Residing in Miami, Florida does it have any advantages for being a Pro Figure Competitor or is there a desire to move out West for the Bright Lights of the Mecca in Fitness?

[ A ] I love training outside and living in a warm climate, I'm able to do this year around. I do believe that the West coast is more fitness oriented, so I love making frequent trips to LA for photo shoots and to train at Gold's Gym in Venice. The energy there is like nothing I've ever felt in a gym-I love it!

Photo Shoots:

[ Q ] Being a Married Competitor what advantages or disadvantages have you encountered?

[ A ] My husband is the most encouraging and supportive man. I'm so lucky to be married to someone who supports my vision and travels this journey with me. He is actually more than just supportive... he is like another coach to me, he knows his stuff. I would not be able to do this without him, so I guess you could say, for me, there are only advantages to being a married competitor.

Click Image To Enlarge.
Kristal Richardson.

[ Q ] 5 years ago if someone told you that you would be a Pro Figure Competitor one day competing in the Shawn Ray Classic what kind of response would you have given and why?

[ A ] Honestly, I would have said, "What is Figure?" I just learned of the sport about three years ago when I went to support my good friend and trainer, Bill Wilmore at one of his competitions. This is where I saw the Figure competitors and knew right away that this is what I wanted to do.

If you told me that day that I would be a Pro and competing at the Shawn Ray Classic, I would have told you to "get out!" No way... I was just a skinny girl who did cardio all the time. I had no idea that, with a lot of hard work, I could make the gains I have made and be one week away from standing on a stage with the Pros!