Folies Bergeres Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

Three Wrestlers

Posted on Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 by John Wood

A Trio of early wrestlers, from left to right: Paul Pons, Raoul “Le Boucher” (The Butcher) Musson and Ivan Shemyakin. This rare shot was most likely taken at “Le tournoi annue de lutta de la Ceinture d’or” held at the Folies-Bergere in 1904.

Luigi “Milo” Brinn

Posted on Thursday, January 24th, 2013 by John Wood

Milo Brinn (born Luigi Borra) performed feats of strength and took on all comers as a wrestler at the famous Folies Berger in Paris. Brinn’s act at the Folies consisted of tumbling and gymnastics, hand balancing, figure display, heavy juggling and feats of supporting and carrying weights. He could perform a crucifix with 66lb. in each hand and could do a one-leg squat holding 60 kg.

As a wrestler, Brinn won the amateur world’s title in 1887 and supposedly once defeated Sandow in a match.

Paris ~ The Boat Man

Posted on Sunday, December 23rd, 2012 by John Wood

Paris The Boat Man

Paris, the great French strongman was known as “The Boat Man.” Why? Because in his act he lifted boats! Paris often performed at the famous Folies Bergeres, and backlifted a boatload (literally!) of men, a total weight said to be over 1000 kg.