George Hackenschmidt: The Russian Lion

George Hackenschmidt: The Russian Lion
George "The Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt was equally well known as a wrestler and as a strongman.

As a wrestler, he faced all comers. He met and defeated Tom Cannon and later American Heavyweight Champion Tom Jenkins before he famously lost to Frank Gotch twice.

He used his great strength very effectively in the ring. Hackenschmidt could long jump 16 feet and excelled at gymnastic events in addition to his lifting feats. He bested Eugen Sandow's bent press record in 1898, and could could perform a "pullover and press" with 361 lbs.

In order to prepare for his matches, he would often walk around the gym with a heavy sack of cement on his shoulders.

You can learn more about George Hackenschmidt, his training and his fascinating life in The Way to Live published in 1908.

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