The Ultimate Prize In Bodybuilding - by Sachet
The winner of the Mr. Olympia contest is handed a prized bronze statue of a bodybuilder. Who is that bodybuilder? Friederich Wilhelm Mueller, known as Eugen Sandow, was born on April 2, 1867 in Prussia {Germany}but, lived most of his life in England. He also lived in New York City and toured all over the world.

Sandow decided to make a career out of being a strongman for sideshows. He became involved with showman Florenz Ziegfeld. His stage show mainly revolved around displaying his muscular physique and he was partial to posing his body as though it was a work of art.. much like a Greek or Roman sculpture.

There were also strength demonstrations during his stage shows. 'The Bent Press' was a movement where he raised a 269lb barbell overhead with one arm. He also was able to hold a pair of 56lb dumbells as he did a standing back somersault. One of the highlights of his show was when he would lift a 350lb pony overhead with one arm, while supporting it's shoulder with the other hand, and walked across the stage. He was certainly very strong, but it was his physique which was what truly set him apart from other strongmen and it was his muscles in his performances that made him one of the most famous men of his day.

King George the V asked Sandow to be his personal fitness instructor. Naturally, since Sandow was articulate & a highly educated man, he capitalized on the King's friendship and became an advocate for free meals for underprivileged children, sanitary inspections in food establishments, physical education in schools and pre natal exams for pregnant women.

Sandow was a very inspirational man who represented positive things and motivated millions of people to become more aware of the benefits of increased physical activity as a path to better health.

Another fascinating thing is that during his time period when men were either thin or grossly overweight and in horrid physical condition, Sandow made it fashionable for a man to have a muscular physique.

It's a fitting tribute that the statue which is handed to the winner of the Mr. Olympia contest to be that of Sandow.. the first modern natural bodybuilder.

Sachet - Copyright 2003 BeyondMass.com