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Embodying Global Fame Through Strength
During the 1880s, the perception of strength was transformed by figures like Sandow, who contrasted the large, smooth physiques of his contemporaries with his lean, muscular form. Sandow quickly rose to international celebrity status after claiming the title of the world's strongest man, embarking on extensive tours across various continents, gaining recognition in countries even where he never set foot, such as South America. His influence extended beyond physical prowess; he hosted the first bodybuilding show in 1901, appeared in one of the earliest recorded videos, and marketed a wide range of products including supplements and children's toys, establishing himself as a global symbol of physical perfection.