When the Arnold Invitations were announced two of the top IFBB Figure Pros were absent. Many people asked why Heather Mae French & Kristal Richardson were not on the list, considering they are two of the top competitors in the IFBB Figure division. Their management, Fitness Management Group (FMG), issued the following press release to help clear the air.
FMG PRESS RELEASE
December 24, 2010 – With the release of the invitations to compete in 2011 Arnold Classic, particularly the 2011 IFBB Figure International, there were two notable names absent from the invitation list – Heather Mae French & Kristal Richardson. To answer the flood of questions we’ve received, both Heather Mae French & Kristal Richardson have decided to sit out the competitive year of 2011 & are both eyeing a return to the competitive stage in 2012. Both of them wanted to emphasize they were not retiring & that they will still be involved with the sport in 2011, just not on stage. Considering both of them were coming of two consecutive years of placing third & fourth respectively at the IFBB Figure Olympia, it should provide a unique opportunity for a changing of the guard in the 2011 IFBB Figure International.Kristal Richardson was quoted as saying, “I will be taking some time away from the stage next year to focus on my supplement company, Top Secret Nutrition, and the launch of the new product line. Be assured that this is not a retirement…just a short sabbatical to focus on my career. I still plan to be involved in the industry and will most definitely hit the stage again in the future.”
Here is what Heather Mae French had to say about her decision, “It is with very careful thought that I, Heather Mae French will be taking a leave of absence beginning with the 2011 season. I have endured many thoughts considering all factors involved with this decision and in my heart I know at this time it is what I feel will be very suitable for my life.
Recently I have been married and I am feeling a pull towards the direction of having another child. So I am graciously taking for a leave of absence with the goal of returning. I have and will always be in incredibly thankful on every level imaginable with regard to what I was able to achieve and experience within my sport. I have many, many fond memories since I turned pro in 2006! I am so happy and so great full for every time I was able to grace the stage of the IFBB. My memories are worth more than any lottery ticket could have ever provided. The past 4 years I have stepped on over 20 stages and astonishingly won 5 shows and maintained a title in Figure for 3rd in the World over two consecutive years! That’s amazing to me and more than I could have ever asked for!
With the help of FMG, I was given even further opportunities that I never thought were possible. Having a dream of becoming a world class athlete, consideration into mainstream publications, introduced to a fantastic sponsor and all of this offered on an extremely professional level. I feel that from every angle of my career I was treated like family.
In the near future, even while off stage I would love to still be a part of the IFBB, whether it’s through helping other women with positive direction within our sport, writing articles, speaking, judging, clinic helping etc., I feel I can offer so much and I love to help others . So with this letter I am looking for the support in my decision and hope it allows opportunity for a return on my behalf.
With Kind Regards & Complete Thankfulness”
Contact FMG at: fitnessdivasproductions@verizon.net or via Facebook.
All the best to both Kristal and Heather in their off stage endeavors.
