Community News
Franklin Powerlifter Couple Sets National and World Records Despite Disabilities
Steve Alexy, 53, who has cerebral palsy, and Arlyn Smith, 45, who has cerebellar ataxia, are Franklin residents who compete in powerlifting beyond para-athlete divisions. Smith was recognized by the International Powerlifting Coalition as its world record holder in the women's masters 45-to-49 deadlift (264.5 pounds) and received a United States Powerlifting Coalition certificate this year for national records including a 130-pound squat, 103.6-pound bench press, and 257.9-pound deadlift. Alexy set a US Powerlifting Coalition deadlift record of 227 pounds in 2024 in the men's masters 50-to-54 division. The couple trains almost daily at Retro Flex Gym in Courtland, owned by Hunter Darden.