Alexander Zass

Alexander Zass (Александр Иванович Засс) was a Russian circus actor, professional wrestler, and strongman. Despite his unimpressive physique (166 cm tall, weight 75 kilograms) he possessed tremendous strength that allowed him to break chains, bend thick iron bars, carry a horse on his shoulders, etc. His best-known circus number was him catching a 90 kilogram cannon ball or a human performer shot by a special cannon that he designed himself. He often said that large biceps do not indicate great strength, like a large stomach does not indicate good digestion. Zass created his own training system, independently discovered the isometric exercises. In 1914, he was wounded and taken prisoner by the Austrian forces while serving in the Russian army during the First World War. Alexander escaped three times and left the country on his third attempt. He used the stage name Iron Samson to conceal his identity. Zass never returned to his homeland after his escape.