Karl Swoboda: Austrian Strongman

Karl Swoboda
An Austrian by birth, Karl Swoboda was one of the early strength "Giants" -- literally. Swoboda eventually reached a bodyweight of over 400 lbs. He owned his own restaurant and did plenty of lifting back in the "bier garden."

Of course, his tremendous strength also matched his great bodyweight. Here's a look at some of his best marks:

Two Arm Jerk: 441 pounds

Two Arm Continental Press: 359-1/2 pounds

Right Arm Military Press: 154-1/4 pounds

Two Arm Continental Press w/Dumbbells: 286 pounds

Left Hand Snatch: 158-1/2 pounds

Right Hand Snatch: 169-3/4 pounds

You can read more about Karl Swoboda in Physical Training Simplified by Mark Berry and The Truth Abut Weight Lifting by Alan Calvert

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