Russian Weightlifters, Vasily Alexeev and Leonid Zhabotinsky

Vasily Alexeev is quite possibly one of the most famous Olympic Weightlifter of all-time.  He made his mark in 1972 and is now an easily recognized and iconic sports personality.  Researching more about the history of weightlifting, I have pleasantly learned about a handsome bear of a man who also happened to be the previous Olympic Weightlifting gold medalist: another fellow Russian by the name of Leonid Zhabotinsky.

Leonid Zhabotinsky (also endearingly referred to as “Big Zhabo”) possessed that cherubic looks that he seemed more huggable than intimidating.  A true teddy bear, if one was to make an apt analogy.  At 6’5″ and 350 pounds, he was considered a towering, muscular giant in the world of Super Heavyweight Olympic Weightlifting.  And even in his later years, he maintained his youthful appearance.

Thank you to Lift Up and Visualrian for all of the Leonid Zhabotinsky photo archives.