Don Reinhoudt, a powerlifter in the HALL of FAME who won the title of World’s Strongest Man, passed away at the age of 79.
This week saw the passing of Reinhoudt, who was inducted into the National Strength and Power Hall of Fame in 2018.
The cause of death is yet unknown.
Reinhoudt, a former basketball, football, and track standout, started weightlifting at the age of 24.
According to Generation Iron, he participated in his first powerlifting competition in 1972, placing third at the AAU Men’s World Powerlifting Championships.
Reinhoudt maintained his powerlifting career by participating in eight contests and winning each one.
From 1973 to 1976, he won four titles at the IPF Men’s World Powerlifting Championship.
Reinhoudt, who switched from powerlifting to strongman one year earlier, was crowned the World’s Strongest Man in 1979.
Among other exploits, he won the competition by lifting a 2,500-pound automobile, a 1,000-pound back, a 20,000-pound truck, a 10,000-pound tram, a 250-pound log, and a 300-pound barrel.
In an Instagram post, Ray Williams, a fellow powerlifter, paid respect to Reinhoudt and expressed his sorrow to his family.
“I chased his records for most of my early lifting career. It is men like Don that made powerlifting the amazing sport it has grown into today. Rest in Power Don Reinhoudt.”
Former Europe World Strongest Man, Laurence Shahlaei, shared: “Very sad to learn about the passing of Don Reinhoudt, the second man to win The World’s Strongest Man, and one of the pioneers of the modern sports of Powerlifting and Strongman.
“I was lucky enough to talk to Don a couple of times, and he was incredibly kind and a real gentleman with so many stories to share. Our thoughts are with his wife, family and friends.”
