I was reading about Wilt Chamberlain recently. Guys who are themselves legends - Pat Riley, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Bill Walton, et al - have told stories about Wilt as if he were a Greek god.
His high school track and field numbers (in shot put, high and long jumps, discus throws, and mid-distance runs) probably wouldn't win a state title today, but would most likely still be top 5-10 or so. That's just preposterous athleticism, considering those are from 1950s nutrition and physical training standards. His finesse is well known, but his pure explosiveness, speed, dexterity, and so on jumps out on film like lightning.
My grandfather was at Fort Riley in the Army in the 50s. He and his buddies drove the 100 miles to Lawrence because they had heard all about Wilt.
It made me wonder, could a guy like that be a good wrestler? I mean a guy without a conventional wrestling body with simply outlandish athleticism? (Wilt's listed weight was 275 pounds)
Who are some of the taller/leaner heavyweights you can remember?
His high school track and field numbers (in shot put, high and long jumps, discus throws, and mid-distance runs) probably wouldn't win a state title today, but would most likely still be top 5-10 or so. That's just preposterous athleticism, considering those are from 1950s nutrition and physical training standards. His finesse is well known, but his pure explosiveness, speed, dexterity, and so on jumps out on film like lightning.
My grandfather was at Fort Riley in the Army in the 50s. He and his buddies drove the 100 miles to Lawrence because they had heard all about Wilt.
It made me wonder, could a guy like that be a good wrestler? I mean a guy without a conventional wrestling body with simply outlandish athleticism? (Wilt's listed weight was 275 pounds)
Who are some of the taller/leaner heavyweights you can remember?