Revealed: What happened to the ‘world’s strongest boy’ 25 years after going viral – and his surprising new career

Born to a martial arts champion father and an aerobics star mother, Ukrainian-born Richard Sandrak was destined for bodybuilding. By age six, he had eight-pack abs, could bench press 210 pounds, and earned the title “The Strongest Boy in the World” at eight. His fitness fame led to a movie role in Tiny Tarzan.

However, concerns arose over his intense training and strict diet. A 2005 documentary highlighted his harsh regimen, sparking allegations of steroid use—which his mother denied. At 15, Richard claimed he was never forced into anything, but years later, he revealed the abuse behind the scenes.

Richard’s father, Pavel, physically and emotionally abused him, turning workouts into 12-hour ordeals. Even watching TV meant non-stop squats. In 2003, Pavel was imprisoned and deported for assaulting Richard’s mother, freeing Richard from his control.