Recently, Krista Ford and I were on the same panel, and she impressed me with what she had to say, and certainly with what she has accomplished in international competitions. Here’s Krista Ford in her own words.
Ford’s career spans decades, and among her accomplishments are 14 National Powerlifting Championship titles, seven World Championships, and the distinction of being the first African-American woman on the US Olympic Bobsledding Team.
McElwain: First off, congratulations on your 14th National Championship win. With that said, how did it feel to be one of the oldest people competing?
Ford: I wasn’t the oldest. Believe it or not, there were 81-82-year-olds competing at this event.
McElwain: Describe bobsledding in one word.
Ford: Fast.
McElwain: Describe powerlifting in one word.
Ford: Technique.
McElwain: What was a highlight of your time as the first African-American woman on the Olympic women’s Bobsledding Team?
Ford: I would have to say being a part of the first U.S. team to earn a medal in an international race in Germany.
McElwain: What’s your take on the current state of race in sports?
Ford: Well, it’s a hot topic because a lot of hidden racism and sexual preferences are being uncloaked on the professional, world-class level, and amateur level of completions.
McElwain: You’re 58 years old as of this year. Are any of the youngsters in powerlifting intimidated by you in the competitions?
Ford: I’d say they are admired, revered, and respected, just like I was when I was a rookie. I looked up to the GOATS.
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Ford: Still powerlifting, talking, teaching, coaching, and being a household name when my book is released this year and a series of books behind that.
McElwain: How do you think the sports world can improve on inclusion in the sense of race?
Ford: Stop judging by the color of our skin and go off purely the athlete’s performance. If you’re good or great in your sport, then that’s it. There is nothing more to talk about, in my opinion.
McElwain: Do you see the sports world becoming more inclusive as time goes on?
Ford: I hope so. We’ve positively come a long way with that. But there’s still much work to be done.
McElwain: Finally, who is your favorite modern-day athlete?
Ford: Honestly, I don’t have one. Nowadays, I don’t follow anyone, as I have difficulty keeping up with myself. But if we’re talking old-school athletes, I’d go with Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Calvin Pete, Billie Jean King, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
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Krista’s memoir, Krista’s Promise, will be published soon.
