One of the most remarkable people I’ve gotten to know during my time at the Spokesman has to be Catherine Kuehn. She’s a 97-year-old, world champion deadlifter who lives right here in Redmond.

I wrote a short story about Catherine when she was a sprightly 94, training twice a week with a goal in mind: lifting 100 pounds clean off the mat. Photographer Dean Guernsey and I got to watch a training session at an East Redmond gym and see how a goal — and a steady exercise routine — kept Catherine invigorated, focused, healthy, strong.

We also got to see the friendships that kept her connected to the world after her beloved husband and adventure partner, Dick, died during the pandemic.

After spending time with Catherine and publishing her story in the Spokesman, I suggested that Cecilia Brown — a Portland pal and former classmate who is a talented filmmaker — might want to bring a camera down to where Catherine was preparing for her record-seeking deadlift. Cecilia did just that, and became just as enamored with Catherine as I was.

And although the attempt at a world record fell short on the day Cecilia had her camera running, the touching visuals —and Catherine’s remarkable story of a life filled with love and support — brought something even more inspiring into fruition. We saw her resiliency, her toughness, her desire to keep at something and keep moving forward.

Cecilia and her husband, Winslow Murdoch, made a short film about Catherine’s weightlifting regimen, and her advice for staying active and happy well into your 90s. Their finished product made it into film festivals across the country, including right here at the Bend Film Festival last year.

But earlier this month, “Strong Grandma” it got its widest release to date. Cecilia and Winslow sold the film to The New Yorker, which published it on its website and YouTube channel.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Nearly 60,000 people have watched the film in just the first two weeks — and it got even more viewership on The New Yorker site and on Instagram.

Here’s a sampling of the comments:

“This is a beautiful film and such an inspiration. Thank you for making it and giving us a little insight into this amazing woman! Cried all the way through.”

“I am 71 and am crying for this humble, determined, independent woman who shows through grit and grace what one can achieve.  I too lift weights and am still running and walking and practicing daily yoga to stay healthy – physically and mentally  – no meds, no aches or pains (touch wood).   Bless her heart and thank you for such a lovely, inspirational video.”

“I am 76 and still lift, but not as consistently as I should. I love this woman and this video, and am inspired to try harder, lift heavier!” 

“This made me cry ugly happy tears! What an inspiration!! Wow!”

At 97, Catherine has become an internet sensation. And the rarest kind too — one we can all support and get behind.

Watch the video yourself by searching “Strong Grandma” in YouTube or your favorite search engine. Be sure you have some Kleenex nearby to sop up those ugly, happy tears.

— Tim Trainor is editor of The Redmond Spokesman.