The “Russian Lion” Was Scared But Onlookers Laughed

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1934, Page 11

The “Russian Lion” Was Scared But Onlookers Laughed

STORIES OF HACKENSCHMIDT, FAMOUS • WRESTLER, IN AUSTRALIA

A USTRALIA • has seen most of the world’s great wrestlers and strong men from Eugene Sandow down to the present contingent of grapplers who differ so much in style from their predecessors when Graeco-Roman, Cumberland, and catch-as-catch-can were the methods adopted in the grapple for supremacy. But, perhaps, the most picturesque of all was George Hackenschmidt, an extremely powerful man, and one with a nature as gentle as a ■child (writes Claude Corbett, in the Sydney “Sun”). “The Russian Lion,” as “Hack” was billed, was in Australia before the war, and endeared himself •to everybody with whom he had personal contact. There was not a wrestler capable of extending him in Australia, but Hackenschmidt was a showman who would have gloried in present-day methods. He was capable of giving the appearance of being hard pressed by an opponent, the onlookers up to a high pitch of excitement, when, all the time, he was .simply putting on the show for them entertainment.

I will always remember one day when, strolling along Bronte Beach to Bond’s Baths, this phase of his exhibition was being discussed. “Hack” was explaining how easily the onlookers could be deceived, when suddenly he saw a small boy, not more than, eight years of age and a mere wisp in build. Without a word Hacken-

schmidt proceeded to put into action that which he had been telling. Seizing , the surprised boy, the giant threw himself on the sand, dragging the lad with him. For a moment the boy did not know. whether to scream for assistance or pass out from fright. “Hack” tojd him it was only a game, slipped the boy’s arms into a halfNelson hold, tensed his own body, and, apparently, tried with all his marvellous strength to break the hold. The muscles of his huge neck stood out in cords.

It was a hot summer’s morning, and perspiration streamed from the man who was then styling himself champion of the world. The kid entered into the spirit of the exhibition, unconsciously of course, and really believed he was levering Hackenschmidt over on to his back. To all outward appearances Hackenschmidt found it impossible to break the hold. This went on for fully five minutes, after which Hackenschmidt rose and, rewarding the youngster with a coin, resumed his stroll towards the baths, with the remark, “That is exactly what can be done!” It was in the Bronte Baths “bogey holo” that this fampus athlete had one of the most terrifying experiences of

his life. He thought he was drowning, lost his head, yelled for help, and gulped down large doses of Pacific Ocean. “Hack” had been enjoying his dip, when over the rocks came a wave bigger than the usual run of them that morning. He was engulfed and swept off his feet. ‘ As he came up, another wave hit him, and down went Russia’s “Ijon” once more. Completely scared now, “Hack” threshed his arms around like some marine monster and failed to regain his balance. So frantic were' his appeals for help that, at last, one of the laughing onlookers went to his assistance and helped him to his;feet. The look of amazement when Hackenschmidt found the water lapping about his waist caused an. even greater laugh than his floundering in four or five feet of sea had done? Then, as now, the title of world’s champion wrestler was most inconclusive. Many men laid claim to the honour, but there never was any real attempt at settling the question. Hackenschmidt was one of the many claimants during his time, but his work was largely done on the stages of musichalls in England. <■ The man who was undoubtedly his master was the lowa farmer, . Frank Gotch. He and the Russian met twice, the first time in April of 1908, at Chicago. There is no doubt that Hackenschmidt believed he had a “soft thing on” in Gotch, in fact, regarded the American as a comparative novice. Gotch had said: “All I know about the. game is to tear in, fight and try to down my man with brute strength.” Hackenschmidt and Gotch had close on two hours’ of tough work, before the Russian was beaten. It was-jin that match that Hackenschmidt first experienced the famous “toe hold” which many times had him in agony. The second match took place in September, of 1911, and Hackenschmidt was thrown twice in 19 minutes. Before the contest he announced that he had never been in better condition, but he was no match for Gotch., . . Gotch started out with the’intention of being a fighter, but had a sad; experience. He was matched with the Australian, Frank Slavin, for £5OO aside and Slavin gave him a fearful trouncing. The police stopped the unequal affair in the seventh rounds Although Gotch was well beaten .at the time, he had no intention of capitulating as Slavin was too tired to knock his man down. - • •, • . ••