Bishop Kelley Grad & Pro Bodybuilder Inspiring Next Generation

Smiley Elmore thought he was Pro bound, a Bishop Kelley grad turned Missouri Tiger, he was right behind Barry Sanders on the Big 8 rushing leaders after 3 games in the 1988 season, then he tore his meniscus and things went downhill to the point.

"Before I cut myself, before I cut out my artery in my throat, I realized the words of my mom, she said son. Stop playing around with God. Come back to God."

Afterward, the uphill portion of life began. The self-admitted cocky Elmore got into bodybuilding.

"People tell me you ought to compete so I took their word for it about ten years ago. Got laughed at and got in better shape after that."

Elmore has become a pro at bodybuilding, the 45 year old has won numerous bodybuilding national championships in the Masters Division, including last year's National Grand Prix and still wins titles in the Pro Division, competing against people half his age.

"I used to have 18-inch biceps and now I have 21-inch biceps, I tell people if you keep on trying, it doesn't matter how old you are.. you keep on trying you're going to get results."

But his results are now serving the Lord.. he preaches to youth now and uses his strength as a learning tool as part of the Strength Team, traveling to various states and countries.

"We break bricks, we run through ice, we do fire breaks and blow up hot water bottle, do pushups with 2 or 3 kids on our back. It's a great tool to reach into people's lives."

Even locally, he does his part. He shows off feats and hoping that kids don't fall of the tracks like he did.

"I worked through some tough times and some depression, but I worked through it and have a smile on my face."