HomeBodybuildersEarly YearsGeorge Hackenschmidt

George Hackenschmidt

Full Name: Georg Karl Julius Hackenschmidt

Nickname: The Russian Lion

Date of Birth: August 1, 1878

Nationality: Estonian

Profession: Strongman, Professional Wrestler, Writer, Sports Philosopher

Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)

Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)

Era: Late 19th to early 20th Century

Major Achievements: First recognized world heavyweight champion in professional wrestling

Training Philosophy: Believed in physical culture, strength training, and a natural diet

Favorite Exercises: Hack squat, bench press

Nutrition Philosophy: Promoted a largely vegetarian diet, abstained from alcohol and tobacco

Influences: Georg Lurich, Ferdinand Gruhn

George Hackenschmidt

Quote: "Throughout my whole career I have never bothered as to whether I was a champion or not a champion; The only title I have desired to be known by is simply my name u2013 George Hackenschmidt."

Contests

YearNameCategoryResult
1898World Weightlifting Championshipsweightlifting3rd place, weightlifting decathlon
1898European Wrestling ChampionshipsGreco-Roman, openweight1st place
1905World Heavyweight Wrestling Championshipprofessional wrestlingChampion

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