Kids to Know: Madison “MightyMouse” Richardson
At just 9 years, Madison “MightyMouse” Richardson is already proving that determination comes in all sizes. A competitive taekwondo athlete, AAU Florida State Champion and AAU Nationals bronze medalist, Madison is proudly representing her community and military family in Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year competition, a nationwide campaign benefiting the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation.
Despite often being the smallest competitor in her division, this fierce martial artist trains tirelessly, travels across Florida to spar and embraces challenges with resilience and respect – qualities learned through years of dedication to Taekwondo. Nicknamed “MightyMouse” for her big spirit in a small frame, Madison is chasing championships and raising awareness for causes that empower kids and fund life-changing cancer research.
TBPM: What’s your favorite part about stepping onto the mat at a competition?
MR: I love competing against new people. I also like overcoming any fear I was feeling before stepping onto the mat.
TBPM: Training takes a lot of time and energy. What keeps you motivated to keep pushing yourself, even when it’s tough?
MR: Something that keeps me motivated is wanting to get better than I was yesterday. My coach, Mr. Hart, has said that “When others are playing, we practice. If others are practicing, we practice harder.” Hard work pays off.
TBPM: Have you learned any lessons from being a military kid that help you during competitions?
MR: Being a military kid has taught me how to be strong mentally and physically. When you compete in taekwondo, you must be more than physically strong. You need to be mentally strong as well. It is not easy all the time. You get scared and nervous and want to give up sometimes. But, if you are mentally strong, you can get past that.
TBPM: Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of yourself?
MR: I felt proud of myself when I competed at the Georgia Rumble 2025 tournament. I was able to take all I had been practicing and put it into action. It had been a while since I won a sparring match, and I won first place during my sparring match that day.
TBPM: Who do you hope feels inspired by your journey?
MR: I hope to inspire kids that are just getting started in taekwondo, especially the girls. I want to show that girls can do anything.
TBPM: If you could give advice to kids who feel too small or too young to go after their dreams, what would you say?
MR: Keep chasing your dreams. Never give up and put in the work. It starts in the heart. My mom always says, “You have to believe in yourself, and the world is yours.” And, I think that's true.
TBPM: What’s the big dream you’re chasing next, both in taekwondo and outside of it?
MR: My big dream for taekwondo is being the National Champion for 2026 AAU Taekwondo Nationals and when I get older, go to the Olympics. My big dream outside of taekwondo is being a YouTuber, to make videos of taekwondo.
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