Story: Bodybuilding, weightlifting and powerlifting

Eugen Sandow, 1902 (1st of 2)

Eugen Sandow, 1902

Prussian strongman Eugen Sandow toured the world, drawing huge crowds to see his muscular form and feats of strength. He maintained that his body and strength were developed through a system of exercises that anyone could follow. This photograph was taken on his 1902–3 tour of New Zealand. Even before he visited, gyms teaching the 'Sandow system' were opening up around the country.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Herman John Schmidt Collection (PAColl-3059)
Reference: 1/1-001835-G
Photograph by Herman John Schmidt

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Peter Clayworth, 'Bodybuilding, weightlifting and powerlifting - Bodybuilding', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/40875/eugen-sandow-1902 (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Peter Clayworth, published 5 Sep 2013, updated 27 Jan 2015