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Unknown Strongman #5

Posted on Thursday, February 6th, 2014 by John Wood

Unknown Strongman #5

Unfortunately the details of these fellows has been lost but I have to say I have certainly never seen this version of the Human Anvil feat before. The Human Anvil feat always goes over well with an audience but the stakes have been raised with this version: on a bed on nails, with an assistant chopping away at a large log with an ax!

UPDATE: we found out that the fellow chopping wood is 17-time world champion axeman Leo Appo.

SOLVED: The “hitee’ here is great Australian strongman Don Athaldo, this took place in New South Wales in 1933.

Fritz Brust

Posted on Sunday, March 24th, 2013 by John Wood

Fritz Brust

Here’s a new take on the “human anvil” feat from the German strongman Fritz Brust, circa 1928. Usually an anvil or large rock is placed on the chest of the “hitee” which helps absorb the force of the sledge hammer blows. In Fritz’s case, he does have a rock on his chest, but is also suspended in midair between two cars while assistants pound away with hammers ~ now THAT is tough!

Gust Lessis: A Smashing Feat

Posted on Saturday, August 20th, 2011 by John Wood

Around 1925 or so, the Greek Strongman and wrestler Gust Lessis, wanted a shot at the lightweight boxing crown (which was held by Paul “The Astoria Assassin” Berlenbach at the time.)

In order to show that he was worthy of such an opportunity he gave a demonstration of strength before his grappling matches: while supporting an 500-pound slab of concrete on his chest his manager smashed it to bits with a sledge hammer. Say what you will about supporting feats, but this one is still no walk in the park!