Ronnie Coleman, referred to as GOAT of bodybuilding
In the tapestry of time, humanity's fascination with physical prowess has woven a narrative. From the mythic echoes of Hercules that reverberate through the ages to the ancient arenas of the Olympic Games, where wrestling bouts sought to anoint the mightiest among men, the quest to crown a singular figure has persisted through epochs. Here are five of the strongest men to walk on earth.
Louis Uni-Strongman
LIVED: FRANCE, 1862–1928
HEIGHT: 6’3″
WEIGHT: 260 LBS
As most descriptions of Uni's heroics are extravagant and uncritical, it is particularly challenging to determine just where Apollon the Mighty, often known as Uni, belongs in the pantheon of all-time greats. He could lift bars that others couldn't even fit their hands around because of his enormous hands and strong grasp, though. As a very strong and quick man who challenged everyone to a wrestling match, Uni was also perhaps the first strong athlete in history.
Brian Siders, powerlifter
BORN: USA, 1978
HEIGHT: 6’2″
WEIGHT:345 LBS
With personal records of 1,019 pounds in the squat, 799 pounds on the bench, and 865 pounds in the deadlift—a total of 2,651 pounds—Siders surely deserves a spot on this remarkable list for his overall strength. 650 pounds on the bench and 840 pounds in the deadlift are two of his greatest raw lifts. As someone who prides himself on achieving the aforementioned feats without the aid of performance enhancement, Siders can only attribute his strength to his genetic blessings and intense work ethic, much like the man who comes after him.
Andy Bolton, powerlifter
BORN: England, 1970
HEIGHT: 6′
WEIGHT: 350 LBS
The first man in history to deadlift 1,000 pounds is Andy Bolton of Britain. He exceeded his personal record twice during the competition, pulling 1,003 pounds and a then-record 1,008 pounds. Bolton's three-lift total of 2,806.34 pounds is the third-highest in history, and he has the fourth-highest squat (1213.63 pounds). He once declared that he wanted to surpass the fabled 3,000-pound total, which is a feat that most powerlifters, regardless of era, could only dream of.
Leonid Taranenko, weightlifter
BORN: USSR, 1956
HEIGHT: 5’11”
WEIGHT: 260 LBS
In the historic weightlifting year of 1988, Taranenko established the world records for both the clean and jerk (266 kg, or 58.2 pounds) and total (475 kg, or 1,045 pounds). These records are still in place today. The International Weightlifting Federation reorganised its weight classes; therefore, Taranenko's official records are no longer valid, but his lifts haven't been surpassed.
Brian Shaw, Strongman
BORN: USA, 1982
HEIGHT: 6'8″
WEIGHT: 435 LBS
Shaw and the renowned Bill Kazmaier have one thing in common: they have each finished in the top three at the World's Strongest Man competition five times. Shaw, a two-time WSM winner (2011, 2013), has recorded competitive bests of 1,122 pounds in the Hummer tyre deadlift and 972 pounds in the deadlift (with straps). He is credited with deadlifting 985 pounds (with straps), benching 535 pounds, and squatting 825 pounds in the gym.
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