Kassidy Rutledge at the 2025 Canadian Powerlifting Union Championships.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Leo Rutledge
April 05, 2025 - 4:00 PM
Local Kelowna athlete Kassidy Rutledge, a special olympics competitor with Down syndrome, dedicates her time to showing others anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
With her powerlifting, 25-year-old Rutledge hopes to inspire those facing obstacles, determined to show devotion and dedication can lead to success, especially with the support of friends and family in her corner.
Most recently she competed at the 2025 Canadian Powerlifting Union Championships in which she won a title. She's now getting ready to represent Kelowna and take on World Championships this November in Romania.
Powerlifting has helped Rutledge gain confidence, friends, and of course, physical strength.
“It makes me feel strong,” Rutledge says. “The team is very supportive and they cheer me on when I do really big lifts.”
With the encouragement, commitment and cheer from friends and family, Rutledge says she feels set to accomplish the goals she sets her mind to.
“We're very, very proud of her,” Leo Rutledge, Kassidy’s father says. “Mom and I both are. She's getting healthier and getting stronger every day. It's been a great ride for her.”
Both parents are proud of Rutledge’s accomplishments. Speaking about Kassidy, Leo shows even more of his parental pride.
“You're showing that a young girl with Down syndrome can do it, and do it successfully, that anybody could do it if they put their mind to it,” Leo says.
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While a participant and enjoyer of many sports, like track and field, swimming and bocce, Rutledge’s heart is set on powerlifting. She began lifting in 2019, though was temporarily set back and unable to lift during the Covid pandemic.
Since the pandemic ended, Rutledge has been back at lifting for two years and has dedicated so much time to strength training, competing, improving in her sport and reaching her goals.
Rutledge can’t pick just one thing she loves best about powerlifting and competing for top titles, although she does have a few favourite parts of the sport.
“I love doing the squats because I’m very, very powerful,” Rutledge says. “I love seeing all people in the audience and just walking in the competition, feeling pumped up and ready, and meeting new people in the country and just training with my friends on the powerlifting team.”
Rutledge’s personal best for powerlifting is 197 pounds, a record accomplished by training three days a week.
Rutledge is devoted to maintain and surpass her current powerlifting goals, as inspired by her father and older sister, two individuals who competed in powerlifting events before her.
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