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Georg LurihBelongs to one of the most outstanding athletes in the world
Date of Birth: 22.04.1876
Country:  Estonia |
Content:
Georg Lurich - Estonian Strongman and Greco-Roman Wrestler
Georg Lurich, an Estonian strongman and specialist in Greco-Roman wrestling, was born as a frail and awkward child. However, he managed to transform himself into a unique powerhouse of strength and beauty, using his own system without relying on any authorities or renowned coaches. Becoming a true legend on a national level, Lurich is still remembered by Estonians to this day.
Biography
Georg Lurich, an Estonian strongman and specialist in Greco-Roman wrestling, was widely known in the early 20th century. Alongside his own achievements, he gained fame as a coach for other outstanding wrestlers and heavyweight athletes, including Georg Hackenschmidt and Aleksander Aberg.
Lurich was born in the village of Väike-Maarja, located in Viru County, which was part of the Russian Empire at that time. His father, Jüri Luri, was the owner of a local shop. Although the Luri family was originally Estonian, they changed their surname to Lurich to reflect their change in religion from traditional Lutheran Estonian faith to the Baltic German faith. The family's decision to change their religion was motivated not only by spiritual reasons but also by mercantile ones, as they believed that being members of the dominant church would provide them with more opportunities in the city, especially for the education of their children.
From a young age, Georg showed a clear interest in sports. In 1895, he graduated from a school in Tallinn and went to St. Petersburg, where he continued his athletic pursuits under the guidance of the renowned coach Vladislav Kraevsky. Lurich competed in the summer gardens of St. Petersburg, fought against local wrestlers, and worked together with strongman Gustav Boesberg, showcasing his exceptional abilities. His popularity soared, further fueling his desire to become a professional wrestler.
Georg Lurich became the first Estonian to set a series of world records. The Estonian public showed great interest in their talented compatriot, and Lurich's popularity in his homeland exceeded all expectations. From 1897 to 1898, Georg toured the country, and his achievements played a significant role in the growth of sports popularity in Estonia. New sports clubs began to emerge throughout the country, like mushrooms after rain.
In 1896, Georg Lurich befriended an 18-year-old fellow Estonian named Georg Hackenschmidt. Later, Lurich became Hackenschmidt's coach and helped him become a highly esteemed strongman and wrestler. Lurich's success not only contributed to the development of sports in Estonia but also had a significant impact on the country's self-awareness and national pride, indirectly pushing the country towards the fight for independence.
Although Estonia was still part of the Russian Empire, Lurich's achievements gave many local officials and intellectuals the opportunity to talk about the "indestructible Estonian spirit." Before the start of World War I, Lurich traveled to the United States to perform for American sports enthusiasts. He was accompanied by his colleague and fellow wrestler, Aleksander Aberg. Lurich toured the United States from 1913 to 1917, participating in wrestling matches and even facing American champion Frank Gotch. However, the fight ended with Gotch's victory, and it happened to be his last battle.
Upon returning to Estonia, Lurich and Aberg did not come directly home. They traveled through Japan, China, and Russia. After reaching home, the wrestlers participated in a tournament in the capital city, which unfortunately was never completed due to the outbreak of war and the German invasion. The athletes went to St. Petersburg and then to the southern part of Russia. The trip to the south was motivated by the ongoing war, as there was no work for wrestlers in St. Petersburg or Moscow due to the situation in the country and the world.
Lurich and Aberg ended up in a remote corner of the country, where they became stuck in the village of Armavir. Initially, the wrestlers considered leaving the country through the Black Sea, but in 1920, the situation changed drastically. The front line reached their location, cities constantly changed hands, and soldiers and civilians died in enormous numbers. The situation was worsened by the warm winter, which brought an epidemic of typhus. Adequate medical assistance was not available in such conditions, and Lurich fell seriously ill and died from typhus on January 20, 1920. His friend Aberg survived the disease, but due to not following the prescribed treatment regimen, he immediately developed pneumonia and passed away on February 15, 1920. The wrestlers were buried in the same grave in the local cemetery.
After Lurich's death, Estonians continued to praise their legendary countryman, and stories of his exploits were told throughout the country, particularly in rural areas, for many years. One such legend tells the story of how Lurich acquired his incredible strength. According to the legend, one summer, Lurich was resting on a hillside when the day became unbearably hot. He decided to descend to a cold spring in the valley to refresh himself. On the way, Lurich stumbled heavily on a rock and fell onto the stones. When he got up, he continued his journey and reached the spring, where he washed his hands and feet. It was at that moment that he gained his incredible abilities. Returning to the fateful rock, Lurich effortlessly lifted it and tossed it several times as though it were a potato. Legend claims that this rock still lies on the slope of the memorial hill in Lurich's native village.
In 1912, Estonian architect Amandus Adamson created a bronze statue of Lurich, titled "Champion." Ironically, the statue soon became a champion not only in name but also in essence, as it helped the architect win a competition in Paris. Furthermore, Adamson was inspired by Lurich's image when creating another composition called "Kalevipoeg at the Gates of Hell."
