At the 2025 Canadian Powerlifting Union Championships, 25-year-old Special Olympics athlete Cassidy Rutledge, who has Down syndrome, won another title, marking a major milestone in her journey to international competition.
She is preparing to represent Kelowna at the World Championships in Romania in November. Powerlifting has become not only a way for Cassidy to build physical strength, but also a source of confidence and friendship.
“It makes me feel strong,” Cassidy says of her training. Having her team cheering her on as she tackles difficult lifts makes the workouts especially meaningful. She values the commitment and support of her parents, who are proud of her accomplishments. “We are very, very proud of her,” says her father, Leo Rutledge. “She is getting stronger every day.”
Cassidy competes in other sports in addition to powerlifting, such as track and field and swimming. However, powerlifting has become her true passion. After starting training in 2019, she faced temporary setbacks due to the pandemic, but since returning, she has been able to focus on achieving her goals by training three times a week.
