George Hackenschmidt
Strongman and wrestler
Died when: 90 years 202 days (1086 months)Star Sign: Leo
Georg Karl Julius Hackenschmidt (1 August [O.S. 20 July] 1878 – 19 February 1968) was an early 20th-century Estonian strongman, professional wrestler, author, and sports philosopher who is recognized as professional wrestling's first world heavyweight champion.
Hackenschmidt launched his professional career in Reval (Tallinn), Estonia (then part of Russian Empire), at the time when contests were largely legitimate, and lived most of his life in London, England, where he gained the nickname of "The Russian Lion".
He is believed to be the creator of the professional wrestling version of the bear hug as well as the person who popularised the hack squat, a deadlift with arms behind the body, Hackenschmidt is also atributed as the creator of the bench press.
He was known for his impressive strength, fitness and flexibility and, later in life, wrote many books on physical culture, training and philosophy.
