Boasting eight-pack abs and a chiselled physique at the age of six, Richard Sandrak could bench press 210 pounds before he hit adolescence and was dubbed 'Little Hercules'.
Born to a martial arts world champion father and an aerobics star mother, Ukrainian-born Richard Sandrak was always destined to become a successful bodybuilder.
When a documentary was released about Richard in 2005, many concerned viewers were disturbed by the brutal training regime the child was exposed to - which included a strict 'athlete's diet' which deprived him from many of the normal treats and experiences little boys enjoy. Speaking to Metro, Richard told how he was 'physically and emotionally abused' by his father Pavel Sandrak, who also trained him.
He also recalled how his daily routine consisted of training in martial arts and weightlifting later in the day. But even when Richard was watching TV, he would be forced to do non-stop squats - something he admitted he considered to be normal as he had 'nothing to compare it to'.In 2003, a particularly violent assault on his mother Lena put Richard's father behind bars and later deported to Ukraine.
Be the first to commentBe one of the first to commentCommentsWas Richard's childhood inspiring or too extreme?Comment nowRichard also came to the realisation that bodybuilding had never been his passion, giving up the sport aged 16.He ultimately turned away from the limelight and has lived a quiet existence ever since.
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