Here is George Hackenschmidt.  George  started out as a weighlifter and became a wrestler.  He was undefeated.  Every time I see a picture of him I can't even imagine having to wrestle him.  Take a close look at Hack, this is what real strength looks like!  Note how solid his left thigh looks.  Also note the implements that he is posing with, a Keg for lifting and a hammer for levering.  Hack lived to be 90 years old and much like The Mighty Atom performed feats of strength into old age. 

Herman Gorner

This is Herman Gorner.  Herman Dead lifted 727.5 pound with one hand to full lockout in 1927.  No steroids, no lifting strap, no bull.

Carl Busch
This is Carl Busch.  Although lesser known than some other strongmen, I've always been impressed by his muscle density.  This is clearly evident in this picture of a 2 hands anyhow.  According to David Webster, Busch bent pressed 250 pounds at 175 pounds bodyweight.  He was also a wrestler.  Busch wrestled the great Frank Gotch to a draw in Graeco-Roman style.  Gotch out-weighed Busch by 30 pounds.  Busch lived into his eighties.

Bigsteel now sells Globe Barbells similar to the one shown here.

Continue to the Gallery of Ironmen IV

Written Text Copyright 2000, Tom Black