Eugen Sandow holds the esteemed title of “The Father of Bodybuilding.” Born as Friedrich Wilhelm Müller in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia) on April 2, 1867, Sandow was a German bodybuilder and showman who revolutionized the field.
His remarkable journey began when he developed an interest in bodybuilding during a visit to Italy at the tender age of ten. Later, under the mentorship of strongman Ludwig Durlacher, Sandow honed his skills and entered strongman competitions, defeating prominent figures in the sport.
In 1901, Sandow organized what is believed to be the world’s first major bodybuilding competition at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The event was judged by Sandow himself, along with author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and athlete/sculptor Charles Lawes-Wittewronge.
Sandow meticulously crafted his physique to match the proportions of his Grecian Ideal, intentionally developing his musculature to predetermined dimensions. His legacy endures as he set the standards for modern bodybuilding, inspiring generations of athletes to follow in his footsteps .