“That is a part of who we are. We are both serving the sport.”
By Roger “Rock” Lockridge
Leonetta Richardson’s legacy in powerlifting speaks for itself. Throughout her 25-year career, Richardson has seen the sport grow by leaps and bounds. She is not only a witness to that growth; she’s also a reason for it.
“I come with a legacy of coaches that came before me in Hawaii, and the sport is important to me,” Richardson shared. “My first meet that I directed almost 20 years ago was in a school cafeteria.”
Susan Salazar is no stranger to strength sports and competition. Prior to stepping onto the platform, she graced the bodybuilding stage as an IFBB Pro League Women’s Physique athlete. Her last contest was the 2015 Ferrigno Legacy Pro. As one of the pioneers of that category, Salazar is no stranger to blazing trails.
What she found in her current sport is the camaraderie among the athletes.
“It’s awesome because you’re cheering each other on. Even in the warm-up room, you hug each other, and I love being a part of that.”
Both of these longtime athletes have shown that they can overcome adversity and push themselves to achieve greatness. Imagine the force of nature they are when they work together. Both partners are aware of how capable the other is, and that is why they push each other. Whether it’s one or the other that is prospering, the tide raises both.
“That is a part of who we are. We are both serving the sport.”
RICHARDSON CONNECTS SALAZAR TO THE SPORT
Richardson was who introduced Salazar to the sport, and she took it just as she did bodybuilding, like a fish to water. When Richardson was asked what goes through her mind when she sees Salazar compete, she couldn’t help but show emotions.
“Giving Susan her introduction to the sport and seeing how far she has taken it by breaking all-time world records and making history,” she stated. “Also, all these women bodybuilders that do both, she was the first to take it somewhere that I can’t even imagine.”
Salazar said that her favorite meet watching Richardson is her next.
“Every single time, I know that is true passion when she steps up. Even at the 25-year mark, her getting teary-eyed every time is my favorite part. There is no experience for me that can top it.”
Throughout all their years together, it may come as a surprise that they have competed in the same meet just once. The concept of partners training and competing together may be a novel one at first, but they were honest about how that went.
“It’s been at least ten years, and we know not to do it,” Richardson said.
Nonetheless, they have found that they both succeed when one is competing while the other is in a supportive role, whether that be as a handler, scout, or simply a cheerleader. Salazar’s last meet was the 2025 Power Surge, where she totaled 1,097 pounds in the 132-pound class. Richardson was the most recent to lift at the 2025 South Bay Strength Co. Boo Bash, and her 1,212.5-pound total was a tremendous early birthday gift.
“I usually compete around my birthday, so that matched up well,” she recalled. “Just a wonderful experience for the lifters. I didn’t even wear earphones. I just wanted to sit there and absorb it all, and I had a great time.”
WHAT LIES AHEAD
Neither athlete knows what the future holds competitively, but one moment is certain. Both Leonetta Richardson and Susan Salazar have accepted invitations to compete at the 2026 American Pro, taking place August 8 in Richmond, Virginia. More than a decade after the only time they previously shared a platform – the two will step onto the same stage once again – this time as Salazar celebrates her 50th trip around the sun. For fans in attendance, it represents a rare and meaningful convergence of legacy, longevity, and mutual respect. One that may only happen once more.
With both athletes confirmed to compete that weekend, one thing is clear: they will both be a very active part of PLU going forward because they see both recognition of the past and a vision for the future with the organization. The way PLU events have been organized and executed stands out to them.
“The people behind the PLU meets have been in the sport for a while,” Richardson explained. “I’ve really seen them do administrative things that adds professionalism.”
Salazar added. “All the PLU meets I’ve done have been lifter friendly. Even the warmup equipment is the same as the platform. Those little details make all the difference.”
Follow Richardson and Salazar on Instagram @manainsidev2 and @supers2o, respectively. For more information on their powerlifting events at Beast Strong Powerhouse – West or any of PLU’s future events, go to the Events tab of the PLU website.
