Georg Hackenschmidt

Born on August 1, 1877 in Dorpat, Russian Empire, Georg Hackenschmidt was a cyclist, gymnast, swimmer, runner, jumper, strongman and professional wrestler, whose skill and prowess garnered him wealth and worldwide fame the likes of which only movie stars enjoy today.


His legendary feats of strength began in college, where he hoisted horses off the ground.


Wrestling was a hugely popular sport at the turn of the twentieth century. Hackenschmidt was the first free-style heavyweight champion of the world, losing only 2 of his 3,000 matches.

After retiring from the sport, he focused on weightlifting, inventing the hack squat and promoting exercise regiments like the bench press popular today.


Living much of his adult life in London, England, he spoke seven languages and became a noted author on fitness and philosophy. Among his friends were Harry Houdini and George Bernard Shaw. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “If I wasn’t president of the United States, I would like to be George Hackenschmidt.” 


Hackenschmidt passed away on February 19, 1968.