Inside strict regime of ‘world’s strongest kid’ dubbed ‘Little Hercules’ from 7-hour training sessions to 600 push-ups
THE world's once strongest kid worked diligently for his extraordinarily chiseled body.
Richard Sandrak, known by his nickname "Little Hercules" could bench press more than twice his weight at just eight years old.
His dad, Pavel, was a former Ukrainian martial arts world champion.
Pavel curated his son's workouts at first, including and 600 push-ups, 600 sit-ups and 300 squats daily.
He reportedly trained six or seven hours a day and it was revealed he did not attend school but was instead home-schooled.
Eventually, Sandrak's parents hired celebrity fitness trainers Frank and Sherry Giardina, launching his acting career.
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Sandrak's childhood fame grew, bringing in thousands of dollars of endorsements.
He used his image to market a line of supplements and enter bodybuilding events.
His fame culminated in a 2004 documentary, aptly titled The World's Strongest Boy.
Despite the seemingly rosy image, his childhood wasn't without controversy.
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Sandrak's mom Lena, alleged Pavel was abusive to Sandrak according to ABC reports.
He admits to having an isolated childhood, not being allowed to see other kids until he was ten years old.
Sandrak has reiterated that he wanted to workout, and was never forced to do so against his will.
Now, Sundrak is 30 years old, and doesn't have the same interest in weightlifting.
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In an interview with Insider Edition, he called the sport "boring."
"I’m very proud of my past. It’s not something I don’t want people to know, it’s just that I’m not going to be stuck living in it," he added.
