Richard Sandrak, once known as ‘Little Hercules,’ leads a different life today, years after being hailed as the ‘World’s Strongest Boy.’
Born in Ukraine, Richard was the child of a martial arts champion, Pavel Sandrak, and an aerobics star, Lena Sandra. By the age of eight, he gained fame for his impressive physique, thanks to a strict exercise regimen. He could bench-press an astounding 95 kg, a feat that many adults would find challenging.
At such a young age, Richard followed his father’s intensive workout routine that included 600 push-ups, sit-ups, and 300 squats each day. His diet was equally strict, consisting mainly of protein shakes and vegetables, with sweets completely off the table.
As he entered his teenage years, Richard’s strength increased significantly. He could lift nearly three times his body weight and was well on his way to a promising career in bodybuilding or karate. However, this level of training came at a cost. At one point, he had a dangerously low body fat percentage of just one percent, which health experts warn can lead to serious health problems.
A documentary about Richard’s life raised concerns among viewers, who questioned the fairness of his grueling training. Despite this, he always maintained that he was never forced into it. In a 2007 interview, he said, “I’ve never been forced to train or do anything against my will.” He explained that his desire to train came from simply wanting to join his parents.
Fast forward to 2015, and Richard was open about his life in an interview with Inside Edition. He mentioned, “I don’t lift weights anymore.” He clarified that he didn’t want to be seen as a freak and that many kids had similar physiques. He expressed pride in his past but stressed he was ready to move on.
Today, Richard stays active but has shifted his focus away from heavy lifting. He enjoys cardio and skateboarding, embracing a more balanced lifestyle. Interestingly, he revealed that his dream job is to work as an engineer for NASA, showcasing his ambition beyond athletics.
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