Bill Kazmaier

He is 6' 3'' and ranged from 330 to 350 lbs. He is a powerlifter and strongman who thoroughly dominated the strength scene in the 1980s.

Bill decided to leave school and become the top powerlifter in the world. He achieved this in short order. By 1979, at the young age of 25 years old, he did so winning the American powerlifting championships and the IPF world championship that year in the superheavyweight class.

He was the first human to bench press over 300 kg. or 660 pounds. He held the world record bench at 661 pounds for a long time. He was the first man to lift all five McGlashen Stones in competition. He could cheat curl 315 pounds for fifteen reps. In the 1978 national championships in the 125+ kg class in Dayton, Ohio, he squatted 865 lbs. He benched 622 pounds. He deadlifted 804 pounds. This gave him a total of 2292 pounds. In 1983 when he won again in Gothenberg, Sweden in the 125+ kg. weight class. He squatted 848 pounds. He benched 501 pounds with a severe pec injury. He deadlifted 799 pounds. This gave a total of 2149.

He also competed in the World's Strongest Man Contests. He competed in six of them. In 1979, he came in third. From 1980 until 1982, he won the competitions handsomely. He was the first man to win the WSM title three times in a row. In 1981, he tore his pec while bending cold rolled steel bars in the WSM. This makes his 1983 IPF championship all that much more significant. After this tear, he lost more than one-hundred pounds off his bench.

After launching successful business ventures and reflecting on his own life, Bill came to understand just how important guidance is for America's Youth. "Leaving communities better than he found them" became his life's passion and has spent the past 15 years speaking to grade schools, churches, and youth programs inspiring youth to realize their potential. As the 300lb strength legend opens up and shares the highs and lows of his journey, he inspires audiences to make positive choices and empowers America's Youth.