How big was Eugen Sandow?
Physique Measurements
Eugen Sandow, The Father of Modern Bodybuilding, pioneered the sport and etched his name into the history books. The winner of the Mr. Olympia competition is awarded the Sandow Trophy, in honour of his influence on bodybuilding.
But how big was Eugen Sandow and how would he compare to modern bodybuilders?
Although the exact measurements of his body may differ slightly in various sources, it’s widely reported that his measurements were as follows:
Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Weight: approximately 180-190 lbs (82-86 kg)
Chest: 48 inches (122 cm)
Waist: 29-30 inches (74-76 cm)
Biceps: 18 inches (46 cm)
Forearms: 16 inches (41 cm)
Thighs: 26 inches (66 cm)
Calves: 18 inches (46 cm)
Competition History
As the pioneer of the sport, there were very few competitions at the time. There isn’t much detailed information available about specific competitions Eugen Sandow participated in, as these events occurred in the late 19th century and early 20th century. However, some notable moments in his career include:
1889: Defeated Charles Sampson in a strength competition in London, which helped Sandow gain notoriety as a strongman.
1890s: Participated in various strongman and physique competitions throughout Europe, including England, France, and Italy. Sandow’s exact placements in these events are not well-documented.
1891: Competed against strongman competitors like Louis Cyr and Sebastian Miller during his strongman career, often performing incredible feats of strength.
1893: Performed at the Chicago World’s Fair, where he gained widespread recognition for his physique and strength.
While these are not specific competition placements, they provide a glimpse into the events and performances that shaped Sandow’s career as a strongman and bodybuilder.
