Hack and What It Takes To Be Great

George Hackenschmidt (1877-1968) was a world record holding weightlifter and World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion before wrestling was prearranged and lifters were using steroids.  Hackenschmidt achieved a level of greatness due to several factors.

He achieved a high level of physical fitness.  His physical condition allowed him to be the most successful wrestler of his era.  A few wrestlers may have been better technicians but Hackenschmidt was the strongest.  He often overpowered his opponents and was very difficult to throw.  He is only known to have lost to Frank Gotch as a  professional.

He was adaptable.  George never locked himself into one way of thinking where he never changed.  Hackenschmidt originally wrestled Greco-Roman style.  Despite winning the world championship with this style, he switched to catch as catch can wrestling around 1904.  He defended his title in this style until he lost to Frank Gotch in 1908.

He had perseverance.  Hackenschmidt was undefeated world champion for seven years from 1901 to 1908.  Most people can only stay on top of the world for a couple years.  To be undefeated for seven years in almost 3000 matches is an incredible record.  He had to bring his “A” game each night.

Besides his wrestling exploits, George Hackenschmidt was also considered the strongest man in the world at the turn of the century.  He held records in the Bench Press, Hack Squat, etc.  He actually invented the Hack Squat, which is named in his honor.

George Hackenschmidt met Frank Gotch on April 3, 1908 in Chicago, IL.  Gotch finally ended Hackenschmidt’s undefeated streak.  On September 4, 1911, Gotch and Hackenschmidt had their rematch with the same result.  Hackenschmidt, who was suffering from “housemaid’s knee”, decided to retire.

He stayed active in fitness training though.  He wrote How to Live in Strength and Health (affiliate link) and continued training people.  In his 80s, he was said to jump a chair 50 times, bench press 150 pounds and run seven miles.  “Hack” died in 1968 at 90 years of age.

What can we learn from “Hack’s” example?  Do you find his story inspiring?  You can leave a comment or ask a question about this post on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.

 

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