John Grimek

It would be difficult to overstate the influence John Grimek has had on the development of weightlifting, bodybuilding and vintage beefcake as we know it today.

He competed in the 1936 Olympics and won the titles York Perfect Man in 1939, Mr. America in 1940 and 1941, Most Muscular Man in America in 1946, Mr. Universe Short and Overall in 1948, and Mr. USA in 1949.

Along side Bob Hoffman, he was a columnist and part owner of the magazine Strength and Health, which began in the early 1930's as the promotional branch of the York Barbell Company, which he also partially owned.

For much of his adult life, John promoted weightlifting, fitness and bodybuilding across the United States and Europe, where he helped found many, many weightlifting clubs and competitions.

He died in York, Pennsylvania on November 20, 1998.