Food and Wine Food and Wine

Child bodybuilder 'Little Hercules' went viral in the 90s - but what happened next?


Published on 2025-02-10 02:43:19 - MSN
  Print publication without navigation

  • Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

Richard Sandrak, known as "Little Hercules," became an internet sensation in the 1990s for his extraordinary bodybuilding feats at just eight years old. His father, Pavel, a former martial arts world champion, trained him rigorously, leading to Richard's impressive physique and strength, which included bench-pressing 180 pounds. However, his childhood was far from normal; his father's strict training regime left little room for a typical childhood, and his mother, Lena, was often sidelined. After his father was imprisoned for domestic abuse in 2004, Richard's life took a drastic turn. He stepped away from bodybuilding, focusing instead on education, earning a degree in kinesiology, and now works as a stuntman in Hollywood, embracing a more balanced lifestyle while still maintaining his fitness. His story highlights the complexities of child stardom, the impact of parental influence, and the journey towards personal growth and normalcy.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/fitness-and-exercise/child-bodybuilder-little-hercules-went-viral-in-the-90s-but-what-happened-next/ar-AA1yJ6TR ]