As the final lift slammed to the platform and the judges raised their white lights, Jasmine Richards smiled through the adrenaline—she had just become the 2025 state champion in powerlifting. With three personal records in one day and a total that topped her competition by nearly 200 pounds, everything she worked for came together at the perfect moment.
“It was very emotional,” Richards said. “I was excited and confident going in, and everything came together.”
Richards, a junior at Ringwood High School, competes in three sports: powerlifting, softball and track. Her favorite is powerlifting, where she shines in all three categories—squat, bench and deadlift. At the state meet this year, she recorded a 345-pound squat, a 175-pound bench, and a 370-pound deadlift.
In softball, Richards plays catcher and center field. On the track, she runs the 100-meter dash and competes in long jump, shot put and discus.
Last year, she finished eighth in long jump at the state meet. This season, she aims higher. “I’ve been staying after school to train and improve,” she said. “Some days I practice two to three hours, and I either stay up late to do homework or get to school early for help.”
Even with a full athletic and academic schedule, Richards makes time to serve others. She volunteers at school and in the community, helping with pancake suppers, lawn work and local fire departments. “I just like helping out,” she said.
Richards draws strength from her mother, whom she calls her biggest supporter. “She’s always there for me—good or bad,” she said.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue all three sports into her senior year. For college, she is open to competing in either powerlifting or softball—whichever opens the door first.
