Eugen Sandow, a renowned strongman and bodybuilder, was already fascinated by Greek and Roman statues of gladiators and mythical heroes at a young age. His father took him to Italy, where he was exposed to these classical depictions of the human form. By the time he was 19, Sandow was performing strongman stunts in side shows, showcasing his impressive physique.
Florenz Ziegfeld, a legendary showman, discovered Sandow and hired him for his carnival show. Ziegfeld recognized the audience's fascination with Sandow's bulging muscles and had him perform "muscle display performances," which became a key part of his act. Sandow's routine also included chain-breaking and other colorful displays.
Sandow's physique was carefully crafted to resemble the idealized forms found in classical Greek and Roman sculpture. He measured the marble artworks in museums and developed the "Grecian Ideal" formula for the perfect physique. As a result, he is often credited as the father of modern bodybuilding, as he was one of the first athletes to intentionally develop his musculature to predetermined dimensions.
Sandow's performances took him to Europe and the United States, where he appeared at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He was known for his charming European accent, deep blue eyes, and hearty laugh, as well as his well-mannered and cultured demeanor. Sandow wrote several books on bodybuilding, nutrition, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Despite his marriage to Blanche Brooks Sandow and having two daughters, Sandow was likely unfaithful to her, given his frequent interactions with women who paid to feel his flexed muscles backstage. He also had a close relationship with Martinus Sieveking, a male musician who accompanied him during his performances.
Sandow's social circle was impressive, with friends including Arthur Conan Doyle, Thomas Edison, the King of England, and Isabella Gardner of Boston. He was a pioneer in the development of bodybuilding exercises and equipment, and he was known for his generosity, often paying the housing costs for foreign athletes at the Olympic Games.
Sandow was a promoter and judge at the first bodybuilding contest, held in New York in 1901, and he made a world tour in 1903. He died prematurely in 1925 at the age of 58, shortly after pushing his car out of the mud. Despite his untimely passing, Sandow's legacy continues to inspire men to prioritize their physical health and well-being, and his impact on the development of modern bodybuilding is still felt today.
