From Gainesville gym to world champion: Valerie Smith’s rise in powerlifting - Gainesville Times

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From Gainesville gym to world champion: Valerie Smith’s rise in powerlifting

The Beast Sports Center in Gainesville manager Valerie Smith is also a powerlifting champion. - photo by Scott Rogers

01102026 WEIGHTLIFTER 6.jpg — The Beast Sports Center in Gainesville manager Valerie Smith is also a powerlifting champion. - photo by Scott Rogers

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” blared from the overhead speakers while people worked out at The Beast Sports Center in Gainesville.