George Hackenschmidt, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

George Hackenschmidt

Baltic German strongman and professional wrestler

Date of Birth: 20-Jul-1878

Place of Birth: Tartu, Livonia Governorate, Sweden

Date of Death: 19-Feb-1968

Profession: weightlifter, professional wrestler, amateur wrestler

Nationality: France, United Kingdom

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Georg Karl Julius Hackenschmidt (1 August [O.S.
20 July] 1877 – 19 February 1968) was an early 20th-century Estonian strongman, professional wrestler, author, and sports philosopher who is recognized as professional wrestling's first world heavyweight champion.Hackenschmidt launched his professional career in Reval in the Governorate of Estonia and lived most of his life in London, England, where he gained the nickname of "The Russian Lion".
He is believed to be the creator of the professional wrestling version of the bear hug as well as the person who popularised the hack squat, a deadlift with arms behind the body.
He was known for his impressive strength, fitness and flexibility and, later in life, wrote many books on physical culture, training and philosophy.