THE FIGHTER

     I come from Brockton, Ma. One mile from my home is a magnificent statue of Rocky Marciano .
It's the largest statue in the world dedicated to an athlete and it's a beautiful thing to behold. Many regard Rocky as the greatest of all and many other historians have their own favorite. However, a little known  fighter from ancient Greece who lived  in the mid 400's BC had no equal.
     I dedicate this story to all those who are fighting  disease, depression, addiction, bullying and abuse; especially women and children. Also, to our fighting men and women overseas.


THE FIGHTER
By Peter Vuono

    The Grecian island of Thasos in the year 440 BC was among the most beautiful islands on the planet. Thasos, the northern most of all Grecian islands was completely surrounded by the magnificent Aegean Sea.
Wherever one walked one would see breath taking seascapes. One early spring morning, a 9 year old Thasian walked alone through the town square.. Like any child his attention was drawn to a beautiful brazen statue of one of the gods. Mesmerized, the child lifted the statue unassisted and brought it home.
   His parents were greatly disturbed and they were sure that their child would incur the wrath of the gods.
The child's father, Timosthenes, lead the child and the statue back safely to the town square to the relief of all. Although the child was said to be the son of Timosthenes, many swore that he was sired by Hercules! The child was called Theogenes.
    Theogenes grew up admiring the mighty Greek athlete Achilles. Since Achilles was known  for his running skills, Theogenes ran and won many a race. One in particular was the dolichos which was a long distance run which consisted of between 7 and 24 stadia. A stadia was equal to 600 feet. Adept as he was at running, Theogenes would soon find that his forte would be in both boxing and pankration. Pankration was the Grecian form of mixed martial arts. It consisted of boxing, kicking, chokes, locks, trips and throws. The only thing not allowed was biting and eye gouging.
    Theogenes won one boxing title in the 75th Olympiad in 480BC. He also won a pankration in the 76th Olympiad of 476BC. In addition  to this he won three Pythian Games in boxing, one pankration in the Isthmian Games with 9 boxing titles, and finally  nine boxing titles in the Nemean Games . All together, it is said that he defeated between 1300 and 1400 opponents! He was undefeated in boxing in 22 years and there is yet another unsubstantiated claim that Theogenes defeated 2102 opponents!
   A marble statue was erected in Thasos of Theogenes upon his death and he was made a Thasian hero. One of his enemies vandalized the statue one evening and lost his life when the statue crashed down upon him.
The remains of the statue were thrown into the sea and from that moment on the Island of Thasos yielded no crops! Upon hearing this, the Oracle of Delphi suggested that the rubble of the statue be resurrected from the sea. The town erected a new one and the crops came back again!
   One may ask if this was the work of a god or deity. I think not. However, one thing is for certain; that the legend of history's greatest fighter has withstood the sands of time. It is hoped that the fighting spirit of the mighty Theogenes will once again arise in the hearts of those that need it the most.

THE AMERICAN DREAM

By Peter Vuono

     When Hernani "Ernie" Branco came to the United States from Portugal decades ago, he brought with him the keys to success, He brought a  strong and supportive family background, a hard work ethic, an eagerness to learn and above all, an ebullient personality just exuding love, laughter and friendship. Ernie and I met in 1975 at Bridgewater State College. One couldn't help but like him with his sincere warmth which was infectious.
     Ernie knew the importance of not just getting an education but speaking English well. He requested to study with me at my home on his various English assignments thus honing his skills in translation. It didn't take long for my mother to fall in love with him. It took only a few sessions before Ernie was confident in mastering the English language. On par with this was his athletic expertise.
     Ernie was the kicker for our football team which was only natural with the enormous amount of soccer expertise brimming within him. Sometimes, he kicked the ball so far that it seemed that it landed in Middleboro. This excellence gave Ernie an opportunity to try out as a kicker for the New England Patriots. Just following graduation, Ernie was off to training camp. However it was here that he had an epiphany as to where his talents could best be shared- in service.
    Ernie became an outstanding soccer coach, Health teacher and friend. Everywhere he taught and coached he touched the lives of teachers and students alike whether it be evoking laughter, a kind and sincere handshake or in the bolstering of a child's self esteem. Ernie took this magical charm to higher levels as an assitant principal and finally a principal. He never once condescended and continued to treat everyone with kindness, laughter love and respect.
    Only a few days ago Ernie was taken from us in a fatal single auto accident. Only when we all meet the creator will we know why such things are allowed. Perhaps Ernie was chosen for another mission for we cannot forget that although he is gone bodily, his spirit lives on forever and will forever inspire.
     At about the same time that Ernie entered the USA, a close friend of Bruce Lee's, Taky Kimura, had experienced a profound hardship that impacted his life severely. Lee wrote to Kimura saying,"Life is an ever flowing process and somewhere on the path some unpleasant things will pop up- it might leave a scar- but then life is flowing on, and like running water, when it stops, it grows stale. Go bravely on  my friend because each experience teaches us a lesson."
     The Ernie Branco that I know would want each and every one of us to"go bravely on" and like him, pursue our own American Dream.

HEART OF A DRAGON, NAME OF THE SHARK


     I dedicate this short story to the memory of Makoto Iwamatsu, to his family and to my friends who are presently battling cancer.

HEART OF A DRAGON, NAME OF THE SHARK
By Peter Vuono

    The sunny afternoon  of Sept. 14, 2013 was one of the happiest days of my life. My son Mike passed his Black Belt test after a 9 year journey in front of the number one ranked Kenpo artist in the world- Pasadena's Master Larry Tatum. Wiping away the tears I thought of all his training and hard work and about his teachers who spent so much time with him to bring him to this moment.
    However there were others who inspired my son through film. They were every bit a part of his training as were his teachers. There were many names but one in particular that I thought of was the late, great actor Mako.
     Makoto Iwamatsu was born in Japan in 1933. His parents were political dissidents and decided during World War II to send their son to the United States in the protection of his grandmother. His parents joined their son in 1949 and in the 1950's Makoto, who later shortened his name to Mako, joined the military in the 1950's.  He originally sought to be an architect but after perfroming in some military plays, he decided to hone his talent of acting.
     In 1956, he became a naturalized citizen and received acting training at the Pasadena Community Playhouse.Later, because he became disheartened with the stereotypical characters given to Asian actors, Mako with a few friends formed one of the first Asian American acting companies in America- The East, West Players Theater Company where he worked until 1989.
    Mako's talent was second to none.  He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the 1966 film, The Sand Pebbles. His portrayal of the tortured/martyred coolie Po-Han was so gut wrentching and cathartic that I don't think I could see it another time.
    He received a Tony award nomination on Broadway for the 1976 play Pacific Overtures. He went on to star in 153 movies and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7095 Hollywood Blvd.
     Mako succumbed to esophageal cancer on July 21, 2006. Although it is true that he lost that battle, he more than won the war in the impeccable manner in which he lived his life. He left behind a legacy that most of us can only dream of.
      In addition to leaving behind a devoted wife and family who were all talented actresses, he, like Bruce Lee, gave the Asian people a face. It wasn't just any face however, but one of pride, honor, strength , dignity, respect and equanimity with the many characters of strength that he portrayed.
     One of Mako's roles will stay with me and my son forever. It is where he portrays the strong, kind and patient "Mr. Lee" in Chuck Norris' Sidekicks. Mako portrays a karate trainer who turns the life around of a boy who is bullied and has no self esteem. Every time Michael and I watch the film we go to the gym and train all the harder. He has always been part of our training and our lives. In this way, the man with the heart of a dragon and the name of the shark will always be with us.

"Thoughts backed by faith will overcome all obstacles"  Bruce Lee

PRO WRESTLING IS REAL. PEOPLE ARE FAKE.

PROLOGUE: The title of this story was created by WWE/TNA wrestler Kenny
Anderson. The inscription is worn on a commercially sold TNA shirt that I proudly
wear. I usually write about those persons who possess character and strength of body and
soul who inspire us. I am here getting off that topic because I've wanted to write
about this for a long time. It is most certainly NOT written to offend any one but
whether it does or not remains to be seen.

PRO WRESTLING IS REAL.PEOPLE ARE FAKE

Story by Peter Vuono

     I live in the Boston area. In just a few hours, the Boston Red Sox will attempt to win the world series in their match up with the St. Louis Cardinals. I sincerely hope they win because I have many friends who live and die with the home team. I'm also desirous that the Patriots continue to win and hopefully they will have earned another super Bowl berth. Again, so many of my friends live and die with them.
     One thing, however that is somewhat germane to all this celebration is the fact that I rarely so much as dare tell people that I am not a fan of most conventional pro sports. People look askance at me when I tell them that the last time I was at Fenway was about 12 years ago when I was paid to make balloon animals for a charity softball game. They look at me as if I have two heads when I tell them that I was last at Gillette Stadium when it was Sullivan Stadium and I was watching Hulk Hogan wrestle the Iron Shiek. Because I have always been a wrestling fan, people look at me as if I were a low brow or someone who is completely factually unencumbered  when wrestling was, in fact, THE catalyst which caused me to lift weights and procure a career in teaching Special Children.
     Football, baseball and basket ball fans pay hundreds of dollars for tickets and nearly the same for parking. If their team doesn't win, they go away feeling like they lost a family member . A feeling that will linger for days. My son and I go to wrestling as "smarks", which is someone who is in tune to what is really happening  in the ring. We see the most unique bonding of entertainment, comedy and breath taking athleticism that anyone could possibly pay to see and we walk to the car with a feeling of great joy which caused us to forget our problems, but for only a few hours.
     The last big league I went to see(TNA) had the biggest names and yet, I paid only $35.00 per ticket and nothing for parking. People go to the movies in droves and pay millions to see a film based on pure fantasy, but I've never left a theater after a movie while listening to a patron complain that what he or she saw was"fake".
     Also, extreme violence often takes place after an important soccer, baseball or basketball game. We've seen cars burned and overturned, people trampled and in 2004 the very tragic demise of a 21 year old bystander at a Boston Sports celebration who was killed when a misplaced pepper ball hit her in the eye.
     I've not seen this type of violence after a wrestling match because it is perfectly constructed to allow the fans to vent while they are watching the events in the ring. Again, I DO hope that your team wins and that you savor the victory but do not besmirch those of us who love the only sport mentioned in the bible which told of Eve wrestling with her conscience in the book of Genesis and the story of Jacob who wrestled with an angel.
     Like the patrons of the ancient Roman arena, we too need our diversions; our bread and circus.
I am happy to hear about yours. Allow me to enjoy mine.


" I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones . For the common folks are like leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed".- The Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz

BLIND FAITH
By Peter Vuono

     Some of my best memories from my youth stem from the Brockton, Ma. YMCA. It was here that I took the knowledge I learned from Muscular Development, Iron Man and Strength and Health and applied it in becoming a powerlifter. I enjoyed both the thrill of becoming stronger and the many friendships I made.Harvey Perala took me under his wing and he has been both my coach and sensei for over 40 years. Another friendship I fortuitously made was with John Cronin. John was so sincere and friendly that it was an easy thing to do in becoming his friend. John, like my future friend, Teddy Arcidi, was a "boss of the bench". We all marveled at his bench press which was in the mid 300's . In the 1960's it would have been nationally ranked.
     John and I each went our own path but I had heard from time to time that he was doing well and together with his wife, Alice, raised a wonderful family of 4 children. He also served a dedicated and precarious career as a firefighter and retired unscathed. John and I found a road that led us back to each other and we've been training together each Sunday for the past two years.
    Even now, at age 65, he raises eyebrows of friend Tom Kenney and all others who may catch him effortlessly bench pressing a pair of 65 lb. dumbells for an easy 15 reps. This, at 65, is a feat in itself but what is more extraordinary is that John is doing it while blind.
     A few years after his retirement, John ruptured his esophagus. This, by no means is a minor medical occurrence. In fact, it's the same injury that took from us, pro football player/wrestler- tough guy Dick the Bruiser. While undergoing surgery, John incurred a stroke. By the time he came out of the stroke, not enough blood was allowed into the optic nerve, thus leaving him blind.
     This however, only served to show the rest of us the magnitude of John's inner strength. He is always jocular and willing to either tell or listen to a joke. He cares about his friends and what they have to say and his physical strength still arouses my competetive spirit.
     Back in the 70's one of my favorite songs was a little known tune by John Dawson Read entitled "A Friend of Mine is Going Blind". Every time I now listen to it, I think of John. One verse reads,"A friend of mine is going blind but through the dimness, he sees so much better than me. And how he cherishes each new thing he sees; they are locked in his head. He will save them for when he's in darkness again"
     This is the John I know. He's taught me that in spite of any medical issue I have, that I shouldn't sulk and feel sorry for myself but rather take  the new challenge head on and do something positive with it. He's shown me that ill health doesn't mean that life ends; it just changes. More than any other man, he's strengthened my blind faith.

DEATH, DIGNITY AND GRACE
By Peter Vuono


     In August of 1966 I saw my first wrestling match at age thirteen at the Ridge Arena in Braintree Ma. The main event was Bruno Sammartino vs. Angelo Savoldi. Savoldi was not originally scheduled for the main event but filled in due to an airplane strike. Savoldi worked well with Sammartino and thrilled the crowd. I was hooked on wrestling and enjoyed seeing Savoldi wrestle many times on TV from the famed National Arena in Washington DC.
    Angelo Savoldi was born Mario Fornini and came to America in 1919 from Castrocielo, Italy. In 1935 he became a pro wrestler and was given the ring name of Angelo Savoldi from famed New York promoter, Jack Pfefer. Angelo mainly wrestled on the undercard and retired from the ring in1968 whereupon he became a road manager for the WWWF.
   Angelo, later, in 1984 put together a very successful wrestling independent called International Championship Wrestling with his sons. A great deal of wrestling talent entertained in this league such as Joe Savoldi, Dusty Wolfe, Kenny Timbs, Ox Baker, Black Jack Mulligan, Kevin Sullivan and Mark Lewin.
   I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Savoldi twice and the thing I remember most was his graciousness, kindness and humility. A kid never forgets how he's treated when he gets to meet one of his heroes.
   Sadly on Sept. 20, 2013, Angelo Savoldi passed away at age 99. It is a shame that Angelo did not attain the same status as someone like Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair because the manner in which he conducted his life spoke volumes. Unlike so many wrestlers and so many athletes from other sports, Savoldi lived his life with the utmost of integrity. He never abused drugs, alcohol or steroids. He was never involved in domestic disputes nor was he ever on the wrong side of the law. Rather he was a devoted husband to the same woman(Mary) for 74 years and a loving father to 4 wonderful children.
   In martial arts Angelo would have been called a"Shidoshi". Interpreted from the Japanese, it means "Teacher of the Way".  His life was  a message of great dignity. A message that every young person needs to hear.

JACK WALSH- LIONHEART

A version of this story appeared in the Journal of Oldetime Barbell and Strongmen in 2006.

JACK WALSH-  LIONHEART
By Peter Vuono

     One of the most beloved facets of Americana is the circus. And certainly, one of the most thrilling and inspirational moments of the circus to a young boy is the strongman act which is seen infrequently in today's day and age. Sadly, Jack Walsh, one of the last of the old time circus strongmen, passed away on June 11, 2006. Jack was born on February 20. 1930 and began lifting weights at age 11. At age 12 he joined the Trenton NJ YMCA. Jack idolized old time strength performers such as Louis Cyr and Warren Lincoln Travis. He immediately gravitated toward the back lift as his two idols had done. When Jack backlifted the maximum weight that the Trenton Y leg press machine could hold(850 lbs.) his dad rented a garage and constructed a backlift apparatus out of boards and oil drums. It was here that a strength legend would be born.
     When Jack was 16 years old, he backlifted 3,000lbs! At 18, the 185lb. Walsh was paid $250 to back lift every pro wrestler on a local card that evening.. It was here in 1948 that Jack turned pro and on March 10, 1950, Jack backlifted a 2700lb. elephant at the Hunt Brothers Circus in Trenton. He then allowed the pachyderm to walk across a platform laid over Walsh's prone body! This great feat  lead to a photo on the front page of the New York Daily News.
   The photo lead Jack to numerous engagements on the TV shows of Ed Sullivan, Arlene Francis and Ernie Kovacs. His daring exploits included becoming a human chain link in holding back two cars, one strapped to either arm, balancing a 295lb. barbell on his head, withstanding several stomach blows from legendary pugislist, Sonny Liston and wrestling a 750lb. bull in Mexico.
   His extraordinary feats(all done at 185 lbs.) still remain virtually untouched. Here are a few.: Backlift-4,638lbs. done on July 7, 1950(second only to Paul Anderson!), Hand and thigh lift- 1,900, One finger lift- using a dumbell attached to a chain and iron ring- 732lbs., Two finger lift( a partial deadlift done in the same style as the one finger lift) 1,000lbs.
    Walsh could also climb a ladder with an 800lb. horse strapped to him. He could do a partial leg press using the front end of a 3,000lb. Cadillac. He could also carry a 1,000lb. barrel 60 feet. Jack could pull a box car while holding onto an iron ring with one finger and allow an 8 ton armored truck to sit on his stomach for 23 seconds. He could also hold back a DC-3 airplane from taking off at an airport.
     In 2004 Walsh sustained serious medical complications after he was attacked by a man who attempted to rob him in New Orleans.  Although he successfully fought off the attacker, he shortly after incurred a stroke and slipped into a brief coma. Jack spent his final days at St. Anthony's rehab. center in Metairie, Louisiana.
    It is disheartening to know of the circumstances which lead to Jack Walsh's death and it is unfortunate that at age 77 his strength waned to a point where his health would not return. However, it is equally gratifying to know that the lionheart that really made Jack Walsh the man that he was valiantly roared to the very end.

"These are the heroes of the days gone by, the famous men"- Genesis 6:4

This author would like to acknowledge the writings of historians David P. Willoughby and Fred Howell without whom this memorial could not have been written.

A PRAYER FOR THE 151
By Peter Vuono

     For 36 years I have taught Special Needs kids in one setting or another. In 1976, my first assignment was in Pelham NH High School. I then did a 34 year hitch at Brockton, Ma. High School and most recently, a year and 3 months teaching elementary aged autistic kids gym. I'm glad that I chose to work with the least of God's brethren because as Mother Teresa once said, "the proof of love is service". If I was ever effective at all in both teaching and inspiring, only my students and God can judge. None of it  would have happened however, if I were not first inspired by a pro wrestler.
    In the late 50's I was inspired by George Reeves(Superman) and Steve Reeves(Hercules) like so many other boys my age. I knew that I wanted to become strong like my heroes but I didn't know how; I was only 6 years old. Years went by and in Oct. 1966, I was sitting on my bed reading Wrestling Revue Magazine. The WWWF had a large bodybuilder whose real name was Ernest Bemis wrestle under the stage name of Mr. Kleen. Like Bruno, Bemis was big and muscular. As I read an article about Bemis, he was quoted as saying,"Every boy should have a good set of weights". That was all I needed to hear and I finally knew what the  answer to the equation of strength truly was!
     For 2 and a half years, I lifted alone in my bedroom with a vinyl covered set that my parents bought for me. I was afraid to lift in front of anyone at the local YMCA for fear of being ridiculed. Finally, when I had enough self esteem to do so, and through the influences of Muscular Development Magazine and Iron Man, I dogged the powerlifts.
    My first contest was in Jan. of 1973 in Nashua. I came in 2nd to last. I made some good gains and by the spring time I increased my total nearly by 100lbs. In 1974 I came in second in the Eastern States Powerlifting Championships put on by Joe Zarella in Nashua. I never forgot the feeling I had taking my first
trophy off Joe's hands.
     I graduated from Bridgewater State College in 1976 and had many job interviews; all of which lead to a dead end. Then in August of 76, I sat in the office of Supt. Henry LaBranche of Pelham and the Principal of Pelham High School, Mr. Paul Phinney. They were very kind and congenial but what seemed to interest and impress them the most were  my endeavors in Powerlifting. They truly thought that I'd be a good role model for the kids and to my amazement, hired me on the spot!!!
   A miasma of good things continued to occur. I did the thing I loved. I met my future wife and met so many wonderful friends in Nashua. I taught and made laugh literally hundreds of Special Kids and again, if anything positive did come of this it stemmed from a  quote of a pro wrestler. Surely, if they inspired this author than they must have inspired countless others.
   Since 1985, 151 pro wrestlers have passed away who were younger than 65. Of these 83 of them were younger than 50. Heart disease is the biggest offender but nearly 12% are due to suicides.The highest mortality rate in all of pro sports belongs to the men and women who have inspired this author. I would like it to stop and I'm sure that if the following prayer is said by all those touched by the sport that God will share his strength and protection with all titans of the squared circle.

A WRESTLER'S PRAYER- By Peter vuono

     Oh Saint Sebastian, martyr, and patron saint of all athletes,
stand by those who wear the shoes of Jacob who wrestled with an angel.
Protect them when they risk life and limb to feed their families
Comfort them in the many hours that they spend away from loved ones,
and above all, let them not abandon Jesus Christ who wrestled with his
conscience in his last moments on the cross. For we ask this in his name
amen.

 DR.CINDY WYATT REINHOUDT - DARING TO BE FIRST

    There isn't a facet of society that women have not excelled in. This, of course, is due, in part to their natural born abilities  and to the fact that women were championed by a pathfinder and pioneer who showed them the way. For it was Cindy who inspired women's rights activist Joe Zarella to commandeer powerlifting meets for women only in 1977 which were the first of their kind anywhere.
    This, in turn, lead to women's bodybuilding and Olympic lifting. Once women realized that they had a power within, they excelled in every area of society as well as if not better than men. Cindy showed them the way. It is she who ran with the baton handed down from Susan B. Anthony and it is she who we all have to thank. This is her story which first appeared in Powerlifting USA Magazine in June of 1985.


DR. CINDY WYATT REINHOUDT -DARING TO BE FIRST
By Peter Vuono

     Before proponents of women's strength sports proved to the world that lifting weights was not just exclusive to men, powerlifting was indeed a"man's sport". No one dared to break this precedent until a young lady from the state of New York began to make headlines in Strength and Health Magazine in the track and field world. The young athlete was Cindy Wyatt. While attending college at the University of Hawaii, Cindy trained under the auspices of two time Olympic Gold Medal winning weightlifter,Tommy Kono and registered an official shot put of 48'6'. in 1962. Also while attending the university, Cindy was seen in the pages of Strength and Health cleaning and jerking 230; all in 1962! Her weight training focused on increasing the distance of her shot put but when Cindy later attended classes at the University of Buffalo, she would put her enormous strength to a different task which would change the course of history.
     On Saturday, March 20, 1965 at the Rite-Form Health Studio in Kenmore New York, Cindy competed in the 2nd annual Self Improvement Power Meet. This would be the first time that a woman would compete in a weightlifting contest of any kind anywhere in the world.
     Weighing approximately 155, Cindy officially bench pressed 160, squatted 235 and deadlifted 315 for a 710 total. The crashing of her 315 deadlift, in so many ways was as profound as the ringing of the Liberty Bell.This success spurred Cindy to achieving further victories in her newly chosen sport.
     In 1977, in Nashua New Hampshire at the Prospect St. YMCA, Cindy competed in the first ever National Powerlfiting Meet for Women with her husband, World's Strongest Man winner, Don Reinhoudt at her side for moral support.Here cindy won her class and the Best Lifter trophy with a squat of 360, a bench press of 210 and a deadlift of 375 for a 975 total as a middleweight.
     The following year in Nashua, Cindy competed in the Nationals again which consisted of over 100 female lifters and a contingent from Australia! Here, as a middleweight, Cindy squatted 385, bench pressed 205 and deadlifted 385 for a total of 975 which garnered for her a victory in the middleweight division and best lifter of the entire meet!
     This victory marked the retirement of an incredible athlete whose courage matches her strength. Author Tony Fitton once quoted Eugene Ware in saying"All glory goes to those who dare to begin". Dr. Cindy Wyatt Reinhoudt is the recipient of that glory . A victory not just for her but for all womankind.
  

DO NOT READ IF YOU'RE SUPERMAN!

By Peter Vuono

   Last week, I visited my old friend, Paul Dallalis  in the hospital. Paul is a giant of both kindness and strength at 6'5" and nearly 300lbs. Paul was a champion  from the beginning winning the teenage national Olympic lifting championships in Willamantic CT in 1979. While still training, Paul channeled his mind and body to  his fellow man as a respiratory therapist in at least two well known Boston hospitals.
   Paul and I spent a lot of time together doing the things we loved; lifting weights, going to powerlfiting contests and working security at our secret passion, pro wrestling. Paul was always  a gentleman- never flaunting his gift and always upbeat in times of difficulty.
   Paul is fighting leukemia. In addition to this, he has spent months withstanding painful skin grafts to his leg from injuries he sustained from major lacerations in a household accident.All in the matter of a few years, I saw my beloved friend who was the picture of strength fall from Olympus.I used to have a poster in my classroom that read"Strength on the outside comes only after strength on the inside." I soon realized that the unknown author must have met Paul.
   Every time I visited him or talked to him on the phone, Paul was always jocular, supportive of my needs and upbeat.He always said that life is an interesting journey when mere mortals like me would have thought of his plight as a living hell. Yet every time I leave his room, I feel inspired and strengthened through Paul's attitude and I realized that Paul had never fallen from Olympus at all; he ascended even higher.
   One of my favorite movies is the anti-bullying movie Angus(1995). In the picture George C. Scott speaks to actor Charlie Talbert who plays Scott's grandson. Every time I watch the scene I think about the amazing inner strength of my friend.
   In the film, grandpa tries to comfort his grandson who is being bullied. He says,"Superman isn't brave. You don't understand. He's smart, handsome and even descent. But he's indestructible; and you can't be brave if you're indestructible. It's people like you and your mother; people who are different and can be crushed and know it. Yet , they keep on going out there every time".
   Paul continues to go out there every time- not just healing but inspiring and motivating. The kind of superman that I have been so proud and fortunate to know. The kind that others who are suffering need to hear about  A man for whom there IS NO Kryptonite.

CHUCK AHRENS-  Strength Through Humility

A different version of this story appeared in Powerlifting USA Magazine approx. in March of 1983.

     On Dec. 30, 2009 Chuck Ahrens, one of the most notable of modern day American strongmen, passed
away. Strength devotees well remember his prodigious strength. I too remember the absolutely stunning pictures in Iron Man Magazine showing  a man who appeared to be wearing shoulder pads but in reality, did not. However, what was equally impressive to me was Chuck's modesty. Never did he boast or brag about his gift.It made several friends of mine immediately come to mind who were a kindred spirit to Chuck- both strong and humble. I contemplated my friends Steve Sanderson of Plymouth, Steve Monas and Dave Hartnet of NH and my pals Paul Dallalis, Frankie Ciavattone and Jeff Ciavattone of Norwood..
     Finally, I thought of my teenage friend, Joey Previte. When Joey was born, circumstances arose where Joey's parents were fearful that his health would be in jeopardy.. By the grace of God, the opposite occured and Joey became a prodigy of strength. At 250lbs., he became a superb lineman garnering all scholastic honors in 3 Massachusetts newspapers.He bench pressed 405 for a double and squatted and deadlifted 500lbs. all before reaching the age of 19!
    Like Chuck Ahrens, Joey is the epitome of strength and humbleness. He and Chuck would have made perfect training partners given another time and place and I dedicate this story to Joey.

CHUCK AHRENS- Strength Through Humility.
By Peter Vuono
     In the early days of powerlifting, back in the 1950's there was established in Santa Monica California an outdoor gymnasium known as the Muscle Beach Weightlifting Club. This gym was enclosed by a wooden fence and was equipped with a wide variety of weights and machines. It was here at this Mecca of muscle that many of powerlifting's pioneers congregated. One of the largest and strongest of these behemoths was Chuck Ahrens. Chuck was known as weightlifting's "Mystery Man", because he was of a quiet reserved nature and refused to take off his shirt to pose for cameras. Only in one rare photo taken for Muscular Developement Magazine, did Chuck roll up his sleeve. When walking along the shores of Muscle Beach, he must have resembled one of the huge saurians that may have roamed there in the Mesozoic.
     Chuck stood 6' and weighed 330 lbs., most of which was distributed in his upper body. He had a normal, non-expanded chest measurement of 58 inches. His shoulders were 28 inches wide and his arms measured 22 and three eighths in circumference!
     Ahrens specialized in odd lifts. His favorites were the one arm dumbbell strict press, the two arm dumbbell press and the triceps extension. Chuck was able to press with one arm 310 lbs. for 3 repetitions! He also performed 235lbs. for 5 consecutive repetitions  standing with a dumbbell in each hand! While seated, with his back up against an incline board set at 90 degrees, Chuck pressed two 225lb. dumbells for 5 reps!
     In the lying triceps extension, Chuck's style was to hold the bar overhead, lower it behind and below the head and then extend it up overhead. In 1956, Chuck performed a single in this movement with 400lbs.!
     Such work on the dumbbell presses and triceps extensions gave Chuck tremendous power in the behind the neck press and the bench press. In the behind the neck press standing, Chuck performed 390 lbs. without specialization. In the bench press, he performed and incredible 28 reps with 400lbs.!!
     Unfortunately, Chuck's quiet and humble disposition,kept him away from actual competition.
According to the office of Unclaimed Persons of the Los Angeles  County Dept. of the Coroner, the body of Charles Henry Ahrens who lived on Ocean Park in his beloved Santa Monica was unclaimed by family, friends or acquaintances at age 76.
     At first, I felt terrible that Chuck died alone and it almost brought me to tears knowing that this man who inspired so many was unclaimed at death. However, in truth, God claimed his humble soul and his memory still beats in the hearts of all those he inspired. In this way, his essence was claimed by all.


"A wise man walks with his head bowed; humble like the dust".- Shaolin saying

Pat Casey-  Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.

   April 22nd is the anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest strength legends of all time- Pat Casey. On April 22, 2012, my day was like any other. I worked out early with my buddy Tom Kenney and went to church. There I said my rosary and contemplated all my deceased relatives and friends. I especially thought about Pat whose anniversary was that day and who did so much to inspire me and countless others.
   Little did I know that on  that day I would become short of breath in the afternoon and I drove myself to the hospital. Tests were made and it was necessary that I should undergo open heart surgery and a quadruple bypass. I was driven to Tufts and would remain there for over a week. On April 24th, the night before my operation. I took communion, said a confession and was given last rights. The most amazing thing about my stay was that for the first time in my life, I was facing a truly serious circumstance where I wasn't afraid.  I was fearless and I knew that I was not going to die.
   I could only attribute this to two things. First, I had faith in God. I knew that he wanted me to live because my family needed me so. Secondly, for decades, I tried and tried to emulate and become like the strength legends I so admired. Pat Casey was one of those legends and my moment of fearlessness had finally arrived.

Pat Casey- Heroes get remembered but legends never die.
By Peter Vuono

Pat Casey grew up in Los Angeles and started working out in 1954 while he was going to school at Washington High. He took up bodybuilding and won the Mr. Washington High bodybuilding contest.
He entered the teenage Mr. America contest where Bill Pearl, a former Mr. Universe was a judge and heard about Casey's strength. As part of the interviewing process, Casey bench pressed 420 lbs. at age seventeen. This was a poundage that Pearl had NEVER seen. After Pat finished fifth, he decided to devote time to the lift that he was so adept in performing- the bench press. The rate of his progress was astounding!

AGE       BODYWEIGHT       POUNDAGE
18           230                           450
19           245                           470
20           237                           500
22           270                           540
26           300                           585.

Pat vowed in 1963-1964 that he would someday bench press 600 and be the first to do so. Prior to this, on May21, 1966 in SanDiego, Pat took on his closest contemporary, Terry Todd and bench pressed a world record of 592, squatted a world record of 774 and became the first man to total 2000 with a total of 2001 and a half to defeat Todd by 120lbs.
     On June 17, 1967 Pat officially bench pressed 575, 600 and 615 to become the first man to do so. His attire consisted of a loose fitting wrestling singlet, no T-shirt and a religious scapula.The same year Pat became the first man to squat 800 to prove himself not just an upper body specialist.
     Later on that year, Pat lifted in the LosAngeles Powerlifting Championships which would serve to be one of his  last contests. Here Pat(weighing 339) bench pressed a record of 617 and a quarter and just nearly missed being the first to total 2100 due to a 2 to1 red light decision on an 825 squat.
     It is here that I'd like to mention the depth of Casey's character.Bodybuilder, photojournalist ,Gene Mozee, in an article written in the 70's in Muscle Builder insisted that Pat never used steroids. This information was substantiated in personal correspondence that this author had with Pat's beloved wife, Bonnie. Bonnie had told me that Pat was dead set against them and it bothered him that they were so much a part of the sport.
Bonnie also imparted a fact to me about Pat that certainly made me realize that his courage was equal to his strength. Before Pat had succumbed to cancer, he worked out 12 days before he died.
   The subtitle that I used in this article is a line I heard in an old movie entitled Sandlot. When I heard it, I thought about all the men and women of strength who would be worthy of of this title. Pat Casey was one of the first to come to mind. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.

POLYDAMAS- Successor to Hercules
By Peter Vuono

    Certainly one of the fastest growing sports worldwide is mixed martial arts(MMA).
Companies such as the UFC, Bellator and Pride are household names as are many of the
combatants that fight in these leagues. What many MMA fans don't know, however, is that MMA is nothing new and appeared in the  ancient Olympic games approximately 648 BC. The sport was known at that time as Pankratium and it consisted of boxing, wrestling, throws, trips, arm locks and chokes. The only things that were not allowed were eye gouging and biting.
    One of the finest and best known Pankratiasts was Theagenes of Thasos who won the Pankratium in 476BC. He also won the boxing edition of the Olympics in 480BC. Theagenes was victorious in 2102 matches in which 1800 of his opponents died!
     Although is seems that Theagenes had the greatest record of wins, the title of the strongest Pankratiast had to have gone to the mighty Polydamas whose name in Greek means "many demons".Polydamas of Satoussa was a physical giant of 6'8" and weighed a solid 300lbs. It was said that his strength was so tremendous that he could prevent a horse drawn chariot from moving from the spot from which it started.
     Polydamas was strictly a Pankratiast and won the event in the 93rd  ancient Greek Olympics of 408BC.
Pankratium is interpreted as meaning "all powers" and Polydamas certainly possessed those attributes.
One of his greatest desires was to become like his ancient hero Hercules. It is said that Hercules killed the Nemean Lion with a Pankratium maneuver known as the forearm choke. Knowing this, Polydamas stalked and killed a lion with his bare hands! Since the existence of Hercules has not been fully proven and since Samson possessed God given help, Polydamas was the ONLY human on record to kill a lion without a weapon!
     Many devotees of ancient warfare know well the Battle of Thermopyle where King Leonidas and the Spartan 300 were overtaken by the Persian King Xerxes. Xerxes' father was King Darius I
When Darius heard the story of Polydamas and the lion he invited Polydamas to meet with him. Darius persuaded Polydamas to take on one of the Immortals which was the elite fighting unit of the Persian army. When the battle took place, Darius brought out 3 armed Immortals rather than the agreed upon one. In just a short time, Polydamas killed all three.
     Polydamas' last feat of strength was also one of intense bravery. One summer, he and his friends attempted to shade themselves from the summer heat by going deeply into a cave. After a short while, a cave -in developed and the rocks began to hurl themselves down. Polydamas, stood and held up the ceiling of the cave just long enough for his friends to escape. However, his strength, great as it was, was not enough to save himself.
     Some historians claim that Polydamas was killed because of overconfidence. This author would like to believe that the instinct of the great Pankratiast  was directed toward saving his friends without any regard for his own safety. Polydamas always wanted to be like Hercules. This final act of strength and heroism truly made him the successor to the ancient Greek hero.

"No greater love is there than when a man lay down his life for his friends"- John 15:13

Reference- David P. Willoughby- Iron Man Magazine -April-May 1956

BRUNO SAMMARTINO
     This article first appeared in the Commemorative issue number XVI of Red, White and Green- the official journal of the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago

BRUNO SAMMARTINO
By Peter Vuono

     In the late 1930's and early 1940's, several towns and hamlets in Italy were ravaged by the specter of famine which hung over each village like a vulture awaiting it's prey. The tiny village of Pizzeferrato in the Province of Chietti, was no exception. Alfonso and Emily Sammartino realized that in order to save their three children and themselves from starvation, it was necessary to flee to a land in which food and proper nutrition were more plentiful. If they did not, it would only be  a matter of time before their youngest son, Bruno would be overtaken by malnutrition., Their emigration would foster a sports legend.
     The Sammartinos arrived in Pittsburgh and once their son, Bruno, was nursed back to health he secured a job as a carpenter and mason. In addition to this, he took  up bodybuilding to further enhance his rate of recovery. By the time he was 14, he acquired a superbly built and defined physique. However, what started out to be a remedial technique to develop health and strength became a hobby which Bruno enjoyed immensely. He continued to train with weights and increased the poundages when he could. A metamorphosis took place where Bruno's chiseled physique grew to massive proportions. With the size came strength and in 1959 he displayed a feat of strength publically which few men could match.
     The 22 year old behemoth grew to a height of 5'10" and weighed a solid 260lbs.. During the spring of 1959, at the York Barbell Company's annual picnic and strength show in Dover, PA., Bruno nonchalantly stepped up on stage and bench pressed 475 lbs. with a collar to collar grip. To this author's knowledge, this feat , at the time, had only been duplicated by Doug Hepburn(the Canadian Olympic Champion), Paul Anderson(American Olympic Gold medal winner) and American strong man, Marvin Eder. Bruno, therefore, placed himself in the forefront of the strength world and had become part of an elite group of gifted individuals. His strength endeavors, however, did not end there.
     Bruno  later became the Pennsylvania State Olympic lifting champion with lifts of a 365 press, 290 snatch and a clean and jerk of 390. He then dieted down and to a trim 223 and won the Mr. Pennsylvania Physique title. Bruno enjoyed being a strongman, however, and once again climbed in weight and strength. He again attained a bodyweight of 260lbs. and got to a point where he could bench press 545 lbs. while lying flat on the floor, squat 665lbs., and deadlift 705. He could also perform a strict curl in military fashion of 235lbs. Sammartino was, at the time one of the strongest, if not THE strongest man in the world. This gift would soon be put to the test.
     One day while Bruno was working on a building that would help make him famous(the Pittsburgh Arena) he was "discovered" by legendary wrestling promoter, Rudy Miller. Miller was in awe of what stood before him. It didn't take Miller long to convince young Bruno that he more than possessed the raw materials to be a champion wrestler, nor did it take Sammartino long to prove Miller's theory correct.
     Bruno easily vanquished every foe in sight to the point where he was ready to grapple the Worldwide Wrestling Federation champ, Buddy Rogers for the title. The handsome, perfectly conditioned Rogers did not attain the title by accident and many thought that Bruno would have his hands full with the champ who was the originator of the deadly figure-four leg lock.
     The two mat titans would clash on May 17, 1963 at the old Madison Square Garden in front of a capacity crowd comprised of many of Bruno's compatriots who had come to see their hero. Rogers was always in good shape and ready for his matches but one must realize in retrospect that he was not only facing the massive hulk of a man alone. He was coming to grips with Sammartino's lifelong struggle and hardships. Rogers never had a chance. In just 47 seconds, the Italian strongman literally wiped the ring with Rogers, disposing the hapless champion in his famed back breaker, a hold that so many would fall prey to.
     Bruno continued on a 7 year 7 month reign where he was called by publicity flyers as the "Greatest attraction in the history of Madison Square Garden". All in front of sell-out crowds, Sammartino  wrestled and defeated some of professional wrestling's greatest names: Fred Blassie, Killer Kowalski, The Great Mortier, Waldo VonErich, Gene Kiniski, Tarzan Tyler, Gorilla Monsoon, Dr. Gerry Graham, Cowboy Bill Watts, Dr. Big bill MIller, The Giant Baba, Larry Henning, Don Leo Jonathan, John Tolos, Spiros Arion, George Steele and Superstar Billy Graham.
     Unfortunately, after 7 years, on Jan. 18, 1971, Bruno was pinned by the Russian, Ivan Koloff. Undaunted, Bruno continued to wrestle and enjoy the same type of popularity that he had in the past. Koloff, was later defeated by Pedro Morales who was, in turn, defeated himself by Stan Stasiak, the master of the heart punch. This left the door open for Bruno to return and become the first two-time title winner in WWWF history.
     Sammartino faced Stasiak on Dec. 10, 1973 and once again garnered the world title making him a true living sports legend. Bruno continued to wrestle a plethora of wrestling legends such as Stan Hansen, Ken Patera, Baron Fritz Von Raschke, and Frank"Bruiser" Brody. then, on May 30,1977, in Baltimore, against former football star, Superstar Billy Graham, Bruno lost his title. His fame however, did anything but wane. In the pre-cable days, Bruno drew 41,000 fans to Shea Stadium in his match with former protege, Larry Zbyscko. Altogether, Sammartino's two title reigns spanned 10 years, 11 months and 21 days. To this author's knowledge,this is one of the longest reigns(if not THE longest reign) for a world wrestling title in any league.
     There will never be another Bruno Sammartino. In wrestling his name is synonymous with strength, dignity and fair play. His life is the epitome of the American dream and his memory will linger forever in the hearts of those that cheered his name.



     
    

TAKE WRESTLING OUT OF THE OLYMPICS?!
by Peter Vuono
     February 13 newspaper reports state that the International Olympic Committee in it's infinite wisdom has decided to take wrestling out of the Olympics by the year 2020. Wrestling is perhaps the oldest known sport. In Kyafaje, Iraq, a city near Baghdad, a bronze statuette of a wrestler  was found that was Sumerian made. The statuette dated back 4800 years. In Egypt there are paintings of wrestlers on the temple of the monarch Beni Hasan XVII dating back 4850 BC. The philosopher Plutarch regarded wrestling as the most artistic and requiring of skill of all Greek sports. Greek myths are abound with titanic wrestling matches between Hercules and Antaeus, Hercules and Achelous and Ajax and Ulysses.
     Sumo wrestling dates back to 24 BC and the great Indian wrestlers known as pahlewans( "Champions" or "Strong Men") are a big part of Indian history and culture. George Washington, who was 6'2" and weighed 215 was an outstanding wrestler as was Abe Lincoln who defeated the Louisiana champion, Jack Armstrong. Lincoln was the first to establish wrestling in the armed forces as part of physical training and self defense. Other presidents who wrestled were Teddy Roosevelt(Sumo), U.S. Grant, Zachary Taylor and William H. Taft.
     Too many pro wrestlers than can be mentioned have strong backgrounds in college style wrestling. Among them Chris Taylor and Kurt Angle were medal winners with a Bronze for Chris and Gold for Kurt.In the 50's and 60's Wee Willie Davis, Nat Pendleton, Gorgeous George and Man Mountain Dean were houshold names as much as Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino, Ric Flair and The Rock are now.
     Wrestling is the only sport mentioned in the bible. In the book of Genesis the story is told of Jacob wrestling with an angel. It also mentions that the first woman Eve, "Wrestled with her conscience" after being tempted. Perhaps the IOC should do the same.

The Strongest Woman That Ever Lived

   I dedicate this article to all women of strength whether it be physical or otherwise and to the three most important people in bringing the story of this warrior princess to the attention of the world: Venetian explorer Marco Polo, California strength historian David P. Willoughby and editor/historian Mike Lambert who allowed me to publish this story in his magazine Powerlifting USA back in the 80's .

THE STRONGEST WOMAN THAT EVER LIVED

by Peter Vuono

     The Venetian explorer Marco Polo(1254-1324) tells an amazing tale in his memoirs , Description of the World, of a Tatar(Mongolian) princess who may very well have been the strongest woman that ever lived. In the year 1260A.D. there existed a city known as Samarkand. It was located in an area known as Great Turkey and would later be called Russian Turkestan. Presently, it is now Uzbekestan, a CIS State located just above Afghanistan.
     Samarkand's monarch was King Kaidu(1238-1301), who was the great grandson of Genghis Kahn and the nephew of the reigning Mongol Kublai Kahn who founded the Mongol Dynasty in China. King Kaidu often clashed with his uncle as to how one's kingdom should be governed. Their differences were so severe, that they often fought each other on the battlefield.
     When Kaidu rode into battle, he never had by his side one of his many sons. Rather, he always rode next to his only daughter, Princess Aiyaruk. The Princess, whose name means,"Shining Moon", was born in 1260A.D.. After years of Tatar training, she was regarded as the strongest and mightiest person  in King Kaidu's kingdom. Polo, in his memoirs called the Princess,"Almost a giantess", and she must have certainly resembled one. Strength historian David P. Willoughby, in his book, The Super Athletes extrapolates Aiyaruk's height at 6'2" and a solid 280lbs.! Aiyaruk was described as being stunningly beautiful, receiving her comeliness from her mother, the Queen, who possessed both Tatar and Caucasian lineages. Willoughby estimates that her vital statistics may have been 49-35-53.
     As Aiyaruk grew older, it was obvious that her strength was superior to that of any of her brothers. The King was so pleased with her attributes , that he made certain that Aiyaruk  be given every luxury and that she receive the best tutoring in archery, horsemanship and wrestling. Wrestling became the favorite of Aiyaruk and this sport would later serve as the medium in declaring her amazing physical prowess.
     Upon turning  16, it was exceedingly difficult to find adequate opponents for her to spar with. By the age of 18, Aiyaruk was considered both invincible at wrestling and without question the strongest person in Samarkand, This so pleased the king, that he ordered a personal gym constructed for his daughter equipped with the finest trainers to further hone her skills.
     At about the same timne, the King and Queen were anxious that their daughter become betrothed. They were desirous that Aiyaruk marry a man of nobility and means. However, Aiyaruk's loyalty and devotion to the King had bonded so strongly that she was by no means willing to leave Kaidu's side easily.She therefore promulgated the terms by which she would agree to matrimony.
     Aiyaruk made it known that the man that she would marry would have to be a superior warrior and athlete. The proviso for each suitor would be that he would have to face, wrestle and pin the shoulders of the Princess to the mat. It was also required that if the suitor lost, he'd have to forfeit 100 horses which were used monetarily in Samarkand. Each suitor wrestled the Princess in front of the Royal Family and a large audience.
     In  a two year period, Aiyaruk's strength and loyalty prevailed. With little difficulty, the Princess defeated one hundred men garnering for her 10,000 horses! In the year 1280A.D. when Aiyaruk was only 20, a Prince from a nearby kingdom known as Pamir let it be known that he desired Aiyaruk's hand in marriage and challenged her to wrestle him. The Prince of Pamir was heralded as a wrestling champion. So confident was he of his skills, that he offered 1,000 horses if he should lose.
     The match was highly publicized and in front of a large audience, history's strongest woman came to grips with the Prince. The struggle was an enduring one but in spite of whatever hold the Prince tried to execute , Aiyaruk's strength and devotion once again prevailed. The Prince's stamina and strength eventually gave out and his shoulders were soundly pinned just like all the previous opponents.
     The last known mentioning of Princess Aiyaruk was in 1301A.D. King Kaidu passed away from natural causes leaving his daughter attempting to take the throne of Samarkand. At this point in history, however, the Kaidu Dynasty was coming to an end.
     It is not known for certain how Aiyaruk died. What is certain is that even today's world of women performing 300lb. bench presses, there has been not one individual woman who could legitimately wrestle and defeat 100 wrestlers of the type and caliber that existed in a violent 13th century world.
     Princess Aiyaruk was and is an icon of strength, devotion, loyalty and pride. She was unafraid to display her power in a world governed by men. In more ways than one, she truly was the strongest woman that ever lived!

REFERENCES: Willoughby, David P. The Super Athletes. A.S. Barnes and Co. Cranbury NJ 1970 P. 580

Willoughby, David P. "Three Strong Women of the Past", IRON MAN MAGAZINE 40:30 March 1981

STEVE REEVES
    How many of us truly remember the moment that someone who appeared to be bigger than life, would inspire us to better ourselves? Tomorrow, I turn 60. I'm still on a journey and I haven't forgotten who started me on it.


This story originally appeared in the Journal of the Association of Oldetime Barbell and Strongmen. Jan-Feb. 2002

STEEVE REEVES
By Peter Vuono

     One Saturday morning in 1959, this author stood in line at the Wollaston Theater in Quincy, Ma. to see "Hercules Unchained".  As I waited in line, I stared at the placard which displayed the most muscular man I had ever seen. Dangling from python-like arms were huge chains which had been torn from giant obelisks. Never before in my six years had I ever seen a depiction of such Antaean strength.It was at that very moment that I knew that my goal was to become physically stronger.
     Sadly, on May 1, 2000. Steve Reeves, the man responsible for inspiring this writer and countless others succumbed to lymphoma at age 74.. Reeves who was 215lbs. in his prime, won the Mr. America title in 1947. In 1948, he was Mr. World and twice Mr. Universe in 1948 and 1950. A native of Montana, the handsome Reeves secured movie parts and began his career playing a policeman in cult director Ed Wood's "Jail Bait" in 1955.
      However, Reeves amazing muscular confirmation garnered for him the role that would make him immortal. Reeves starred in Warner Brothers "Hercules" in 1957. This Italian-made film was brought to America by legendary film impresario, Joseph E. Levine.It led to a chain of successes for Reeves with "Hercules Unchained", "The Slave", "Sandokan the Great","The Thief of Baghdad", "Morgan the Pirate" and many others.
      It was "Hercules", however and "Hercules Unchained", which immortalized Reeves' persona and career. This, in turn, led to a string of   noteworthy strongmen such as Arnold, Lou Ferigno, Reg Park, Micky Hargitay, Peter Lupus and Kevin Sorbo who would carry on the legacy. Although no fewer than ten men have played the part of Hercules, it is Steve who best exemplified the ancient hero.
      Strength historian David P. Willoughby relates a tale of 2500 year old clay pictures found in Mesopotamia which depict Hercules beheading a seven-headed dragon. For 2500 years the legend of Hercules has withstood time. So too, will the cinematic legend of Steve Reeves.

"Suddenly, a chariot of fire and horses of fire came between them and parted them" 2 Kings2: 11-12

STEVE REEVES FILMOGRAPHY;
Jail Bait- 1955, Hercules- 1957, Hercules Unchained- 1959, The White Warrior- 1959, The Thief of Baghdad- 1959, The Giant of Marathon- 1959, The Last Days of Pompeii-1960, Goliath and the Barbarians- 1960, Goliath and the Dragon, 1960, Morgan the Pirate- 1961, The Trojan Horse- 1961, The Avenger-1962, The Slave- 1962, Sandokan the Great- 1964, A Long Ride from Hell- 1970