When world-famous strongman Eugen Sandow finally met his match, nobody expected it to be at the hands of an 18-year-old girl. But whether it was bending metal bars, beating horses in a tug-of-war, or hefting her own husband over her head with one arm, German strongwoman Katie Sandwina would continue to shatter records (and Victorian gender norms) for another forty years.
Guest Haley Shapley, author of Strong Like Her, introduces us to this astonishing, unexpected heroine.
Voiceovers for this episode provided by Marion Lamm, Anica Bell, Mark Henderson, and Matthew Meikle.
portrait by Benjamin Falk
Haley Shapley is an award-winning journalist, a certified group fitness instructor, and the author of Strong Like Her: A Celebration of Rule Breakers, History Makers, and Unstoppable Athletes, which traces the previously untold history of women who defied convention in pursuit of physical strength. She’s contributed to Teen Vogue, Shape, Self, Shondaland, Forbes Health, and hundreds of other publications. When she’s not writing, she’s usually working toward a fitness goal; past pursuits have included running a marathon, riding her bike 200 miles, and competing in a bodybuilding show.
Music featured in this episode included:
“Entrance of the Gladiators,” “Ride of the Thuringia Hussars,” and “The Enthusiast Polka” performed by The United States Marine Band
“The Melody Shop March” performed by the United States Army Field Band
“Dream Big” by Jeremy Korpas
“Unrequited” by Asher Fulero
“The Trapezist” by Quincas Moreira
Field recordings from the Circus Hall of Fame Calliope and Mechanical Music Festival
and selections from Amy Beach’s Four Sketches, performed by Amanda Setlik Wilson
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