Bodybuilder with cerebral palsy awes the nation

A Virginia bodybuilder with cerebral palsy is making national headlines after a video of him flexing his muscles went viral. He’s quickly becoming an inspiration to children with cerebral palsy, showing them that hard work and dedication pays off.

ABC News reports that Steve Alexy, 43, has lived with cerebral palsy since he was an infant. Doctors told his mother that she should put him in a “home” where he would get the medical attention he needed. His mother refused, and not only has Alexy become a successful body builder, but he’s also become an inspiration to people with disabilities across the nation.

“I wish the doctors that told my parents I would never walk could see me today,” Alexy said.

In 2011, Alexy met Chris Lovelette. The pair hit it off so well that they’ve been training together for five years. Lovelette, who shares the same enthusiasm as Alexy, told ABC that anything is possible with determination.

“If you want to achieve something just believe it…No excuses in my gym,” Lovelette said.

In 2014, Alexy took his bodybuilding game to a new level when he entered and starting competing in the  Organization of Competition Bodies (OCB) bodybuilding competitions. Over the course of five competitions, he’s won six trophies.

Last September, Alexy flexed on stage for 60 seconds, an incident caught on camera. Suzi Farren Newman recorded Alexy and posted the video on Facebook afterwards. The video quickly garnered over 30 million views and numerous shares, catapulting Alexa into social media superstardom.

“You truly are an inspiration @steve_alexy_bb. I live in Indonesia and people here are talking about how amazing you are. Keep up the great work bro,” wrote social media user, Todd Elliott.

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common motor disorders in the world; it can affect movement in different parts of the body. It’s often marked by uncontrollable spastic movements, shaking, and poor coordination. It can range from mild to severe. No two cases of CP are alike. While some people will experience mild spasms and poor coordination while walking, other people with CP can’t walk at all, and rely on assistive devices, such as wheelchairs to get around.

The disorder can also bring on a number of co-existing conditions, such as speech issues, hearing and vision problems, seizures, cognitive disabilities, and more. Although there is no known cure for CP, the disorder will not progress over time, and many children will go on to have successful lives. Alexy is living proof that having a disorder doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your dreams.

In addition to the viral Facebook video, Alexy has over 15,000 followers on Instagram. He’s currently training for the next OCB competition, scheduled for February.

Watch below to see Steve Alexy in action!