Kristal Richardson (Rost)
D.O.B. 4/28/76
Born: Bloomington, Illinois
Currently living: Miami, Florida
I was born in Bloomington, Illinois and moved about six times from that moment until I entered high school. My father was climbing the corporate ladder and we moved about every two to three years. All moves where in the Midwest…Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan. So, I guess you could say I’m a Midwest girl at heart!
Growing up, I was always athletic. I started young in jazz dance and gymnastics. I continued this for many years until I became interested in cheerleading, track, and volleyball. I did especially well in track as a sprinter. From 5th grade on, I became very competitive in track. I think this was the first time I realized that I had a competitive streak in me. I enjoyed winning, as anyone does, but I also enjoyed the preparation it took to become the best. Little did I know how important this characteristic would be for me in my Figure career.
By high school, I held the school record for the 100 and 200 meter runs. In addition, I was on the varsity cheerleading squad and competing in state competitions against other squads. Again, all of this took so much time and preparation…and I loved it!
After high school, I decided I really wanted to live the “college experience” and chose not to run track in college. I did however; decide to cheer for two years for the football team. My college was a very small (1200 students), conservative, liberal arts school called Hillsdale. It was in Hillsdale, Michigan which you would miss if you blinked while driving through!
I had a great four years at Hillsdale earning my BA in Marketing and Communications. I joined a sorority and made some great friends whom are still very dear to me and still very much a part of my life!
During college, I had somewhat slowed down on my very physically active lifestyle and knew that I really wanted to be active again! For this, I needed a change of environment. What better place to be then Florida! I could be active outside all year around! So I got a job in Miami at State Farm Insurance and off I went.
That was the summer of 1998 and I’ve been in Miami ever since. Although I was experiencing extreme culture shock, I was so happy to be in a place where I was able to run, rollerblade, play tennis, and bike all year around…and I took advantage of this. I was an exercising maniac…but I had yet to REALLY touch a weight. I lifted a little here and there but nothing even remotely serious until about two years after I got to Miami. .
I started working with a personal trainer at this time and really liked the changes I was seeing in my body, but it was still just a little hobby as I was working so much.
About three years after I got being in Miami, I ditched fitness all together again because I entered an International MBA program at Florida International University. The program was a very intense. Class five days a week 8am to 5pm then a lot of after school group projects. Although I managed to keep my weight under control, I was definitely not fit and active and I hated it!
After graduate school, I started working and working out again! I was so happy to be active again. Around this time, I started dating my “now” husband, Tom Richardson. He had been weight training for six years with a professional bodybuilder, Bill Wilmore, and he was very knowledgeable about health, fitness, and the bodybuilding industry. He and I went to watch Bill compete at the Nationals and this is where I first saw what Figure was all about. Tom had been telling me that I could do Figure, but I really didn’t know much about it. After seeing those girls on stage, it was obvious how much work and dedication went into their preparation….and I loved the idea of this. Right then and there, I knew I wanted to compete in Figure.
From that point, I started working with a trainer and a nutrition coach and about a year and a half later in March of 2006; I competed in my first regional Figure competition in San Francisco-The Steel Rose. I won my class and won the overall show which qualified me to compete at a national level.
The next six months were a whirlwind. I celebrated my 30th birthday in April, Tom and I got married in May and I competed at the North American national competition in September….where I won my class and earned my Pro Card. I was excited and shocked! Two competitions and I was now an IFBB Professional Figure Competitor????!!!!!
That brings me to my current status. I am certified in personal training and have my own business training and consulting individuals on health and nutrition.
As I begin the new year, I’m extremely focused on the 2007 season. Competing at a professional level and amongst all the great talent out there is so exciting. I’m taking myself to a new level….so watch for me!!
In closing, there are so many people who have played a part in this whole thing. First and foremost, my husband. Wow-his unwaivering support, guidance, and patience (lets face it, low carb days equal crankiness!) has been amazing-thank you babe-I love you. To my parents who have always supported me and sacrificed for me. Thank you for being my biggest fans always! To all of my “new” family-thank you for being involved-it meant so much to me for you to watch me turn pro! To my friends-how annoying it must be when I have to bring my food EVERYWHERE we go!! Thanks-you are all so great! Thank you to my coach and my trainers for believing in me and pushing me to be my best! Last, but not least, my babies-Bear and Boomer (my Chocolate Labs)…these guys are up with me at 5 am keeping me company when I’m doing cardio and by my side at night when I’m passed out on the couch from exhaustion!
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