George Hackenschmidt, Estonian-English wrestler and strongman (d. 1968)
Georg Karl Julius Hackenschmidt (1 August [O.S. 20 July] 1877 – 19 February 1968) was an early 20th-century Estonian strongman, professional wrestler, author, and sports philosopher who is recognized as professional wrestling's first world heavyweight champion.
Hackenschmidt launched his professional career in Reval in the Governorate of Estonia, at the time when contests were largely legitimate, and lived most of his life in London, England, where he gained the nickname of "The Russian Lion". He is believed to be the creator of the professional wrestling version of the bear hug as well as the person who popularised the hack squat, a deadlift with arms behind the body. He was known for his impressive strength, fitness and flexibility and, later in life, wrote many books on physical culture, training and philosophy.
1877Aug, 1
George Hackenschmidt
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Events on 1877
- 20Feb
Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake receives its premiere at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. - 10May
Mihail Kogălniceanu
Romania declares itself independent from the Ottoman Empire following the Senate adoption of Mihail Kogălniceanu's Declaration of Independence. - 5Oct
Nez Perce people
Chief Joseph surrenders his Nez Perce band to General Nelson A. Miles. - 21Nov
Phonograph
Thomas Edison announces his invention of the phonograph, a machine that can record and play sound. - 29Nov
Phonograph
Thomas Edison demonstrates his phonograph for the first time.