Dmitriy Haladzhi 151 kilograms - with one little finger of the right hand Country: Ukraine

1. Dmitry Khaladzhi: The Modern Ukrainian Hercules
2. Challenging Ancient Legends
3. A Journey to Hercules
4. A Journey to Love and Family

Dmitry Khaladzhi: The Modern Ukrainian Hercules

Dmitry Khaladzhi, a 25-year-old Ukrainian athlete, has made history by officially lifting the heaviest weight in the world - 151 kilograms - using only the little finger of his right hand. His record has been registered by the Guinness Book of World Records, making him a national hero in Ukraine. Born and raised in the small town of Komsomolsk, Khaladzhi has surprised both his community and the authorities with his extraordinary strength. He has been entrusted with carrying the Olympic flame across Ukraine and is set to become an honorary advisor to the Ukrainian Prime Minister and presidential candidate, Viktor Yanukovych.

Challenging Ancient Legends

Khaladzhi's feat of strength surpasses that of Bibon, a legendary Greek athlete who, according to ancient tales, lifted a stone weighing 143 kilograms over his head in the 6th century BC. Determined to outdo his ancient predecessor, Khaladzhi embarked on a rigorous training regime. He spent a year and a half preparing for the record-breaking lift, braving the freezing temperatures of his kitchen, where he trained with weights warmed on the stove to prevent frostbite. Despite facing setbacks, such as breaking his home's floor and stove in the process, Khaladzhi persevered and eventually mastered the technique of lifting heavy weights.

A Journey to Hercules

From a young age, Khaladzhi displayed a keen interest in sports, despite facing obstacles such as a severe burn accident when he was four years old. His determination and good behavior led to him being accepted as an instructor in a local sports school, despite lacking a formal education. Khaladzhi's training initially involved carrying calves to test the legends of Hercules and Milo of Croton lifting bulls. However, he soon discovered that carrying larger animals was dangerous and impractical. Undeterred, Khaladzhi turned his attention to performing in the circus, where he showcased his strength by juggling weights, breaking chains, and bending steel bars with his teeth.

A Journey to Love and Family

Throughout his athletic journey, Khaladzhi also found time to start a family. He quickly and boldly married a local woman, who now takes care of their cows and garden. Intrigued by his extraordinary strength, Khaladzhi began exploring his family's history and discovered that his father and great-grandfather were also renowned for their physical prowess. Inspired by his family's legacy, Khaladzhi continues to train rigorously, aiming to break his own record on August 29th.