George Hackenschmidt was a professional wrestler, strongman, sports philosopher and writer. He was born in Tartu in 1877 and at school he excelled at gymnastics, swimming, running, cycling and weightlifting. His strength astounded his teachers as he could lift a small horse off the ground and lift 276 pounds overhead one handed. In the late 19th century he created the bench press and popularised the hack squat. In 1905 George Hackenschmidt became the world's first heavyweight wrestling champion.
George Hackenschmidt 1877 (Tartu) - 1968 (London).
