Our First "Mr. Universe"

by John Grimek

Titles, titles, who wants a title ? Everywhere you turn you meet a Mr.-so-and-so holder of some title. They seem plentiful now. First we had the Mr. America title, after that other titles fast gained recognition. Even now new and unheard of titles are still beginning to appear, but all these are insignificant to the title which covers them all - Mr. Universe ! This title gained recognition for the first time when a physique contest was held in conjunction with the world's championships in Philadelphia last September 27th and open to any amateur athlete in the world.

How such a contest came into being is rather interesting and credit should be given to the man who suggested it. In Paris last year at the world's championships, Bob Hoffman, then coach of the victorious team as now, suggested such a contest be made part of the world championships, pointing out the unusual success of our Mr. America events. he felt such an addition would stimulate interest, not only in this country but the world over. Most of the representatives attending the conference were agreeable but still retained some doubts of its success in any other country than America. The reason being that Americans take pride in developing their bodies first and then fall back on their athletic skills, whereas the Europeans and other nations stress athletics first and relegate body development and symmetry a mere second. France and England being the only nations holding such physique contests in the past with some success.

We of the S. & H. staff tried to make this contest a huge success and invited all nations to send their best developed man to represent their country in this event. While this initial attempt wasn't an overwhelming success as far as a large entry list of contestants was concerned, nevertheless it proved to be a fitting finale to one of the best world's championships staged thus far. The French, great believers in body culture, suggested all members of their team to take part, and while some of them did not present themselves in the most advantageous fashion, they did register favorable popularity with the crowd. Several of the other nations entered their lifters who were also well received by the assembled throng.

It was evident that some of the foreign lifters, this time, presented a more symmetrical appearance than in the past. Nearly all the members of the U.S. team were pleasingly built and were outstanding physically. This however, is an acceptable fact, because America does boast more better built athletes than all the other countries combined, but there is a reason for this. Almost every American lifter at some time has indulged in body building exercises to strengthen and develop their muscles. As their strength improves their interest in lifting develops, which is only natural. Those possessing more natural ability seem to develop into wonderful lifters than others who don't have the patience to follow through with their plans. The foreigners, on the other hand, take to lifting without this essential preparation, thus seem to reach their limits sooner. Many of these foreigners are taller than our own men in such classes, but few can approach the development of the American lifters. In posing contest the Americans again have the lead, for they present themselves with more finesse and pose with more grace. Naturally when a husky takes his turn under well arranged lights and begins to display his muscular body, there are things to watch. Masses of muscle seem to roll and sweep in terrific contours and judges cannot help but be influenced by such specimen. But brawn, symmetry and muscularity seem to win above everything else in such contests, which again is only natural.

Such was the case on the night of September 27th and no one will deny that when Stanko appeared on the dais, first relaxed and then displayed his muscular body in several poses, the majority of judges couldn't help but elect him as the winner of the first Mr. Universe contest. Competition was keen as always, particularly among the American group, but we can't deny that some of the foreigners were great attractions. They were. Time was limited this particular night, so the usual point system was eliminated and each judge was compelled to make his own selection by writing his choice on a ballot. As the final figures were counted, Stanko's name appeared on more ballots than any of the others, consequently proclaiming him as winner. In second place came Farbotnik and third place found Pedersen, the Californian muscular sensation.

The winner of this contest is well known to the readers of this magazine and most of you will remember the great difficulty he had to overcome in recent years before he could enter such contests. During his lifting days Stanko took on excessive flesh over his frame in an attempt to lessen body leverages so he could lift more, and this was well proven when he became the first man in lifting history to elevate over 1,000 pounds as a total. During this time an old football injury, sustained in high school, began to show up, very slight at first but ever increasing in intensity. Even during the time when he made this fabulous total he did it under pain and torture. Certainly the heavy lifting in preparation for this contest was one of the chief factors which activated this old injury, because shortly after he was confined to bed for months. Meanwhile the anxiety and mental strain which accompanies such confinement was slowly but ever destroying him. From his top bodyweight of around 240 pounds he slipped to a mere shadow of his former self, tipping the beam at 158 lbs. on a certified doctor's scale. This great loss of bodyweight was due chiefly to worrying over his condition and confinement. After endless treatment we happened by chance to employ the services of a specialist and surgeon who thoroughly understood body mechanics and the effects of exercise. Though we of the S. & H. staff tried on previous occasions to encourage and recommend light exercise, Stanko refused because the pain and misery which resulted thereafter were nerve racking to him. The comforting words of this specialist made a profound impression on him and immediately he set to the task of rebuilding himself. He realized this undertaking would prove to be a great task but anything was worth trying than bearing the everlasting misery, he reasoned. So he began, slowly at first, and though some torture and sleepless nights were experienced he patiently endured this misery and proceeded with his plans, feeling confident that things would break for the better in the future. Surprisingly enough they did and several months later his entire body began to show signs of rejuvenation.

While his bodyweight increased to 187 pounds his mental attitude was tremendously improved, consequently he felt much better. With this apparent improvement he increased the number of exercises in his program and trained more zestfully. Even at this time he never entertained hopes of entering any physique contests, and yet only one year later he succeeded in winning the Jr. Mr. America and two months later the Sr. Mr. America titles. Those witnessing these events were amazed at his physical transformation, for here was a figure trimmer and huskier than during his years as a lifting champion. The winning of these two titles made a marked impression on him and he continued his training even more religiously now. The shooting pains were less intense through treatments and other therapeutic measures were still employed, and are, to this day. But no one can deny that following a systematic routine of exercise did not lend a helping hand to alleviate some of the pains he previously experienced.

Yes, Stanko made his comeback, not to lift 1,000 pounds as he did before his confinement, but in another form...acquiring better symmetry and pleasing muscular contours than he ever had before. This was more than he anticipated, and some of you who may seek to disqualify this statement by saying he was always husky and well built, allow me to delve into the past a bit and prove this statement.

At the time he came to York, Stanko already had some training behind him that's true, but I knew him as a youngster, many years before, and i personally have noticed the change. While he was still in high-school I came to know him through mutual friends and though most of us foresaw the dormant possibilities, we also realized it would take time and infinite coaching to develop them.

At this time I was the only one fortunate enough to own a barbell in our locality which was given me by an older brother. Because of the prejudice against weights at the time I was forced to train in secrecy. People commented on my improved appearance each beach season they saw me and felt certain something more than natural growth was responsible. In less time than it takes to write about it the secret of barbells became known, and shortly after crude barbells of very description were seen. Every vacant lot, garage or basement had its own gymnasium with many new strength converts. At every available opportunity I would visit these places and inspect their setup, often demonstrating the system of training I practiced to increase my own bodyweight. It was at one of these places, a garage, that Stanko and others were getting the "bug" of exercising. Somehow I frequented their quarters more than any of the other spots and I was amazed to see how energetically these fellows trained. Each kept records of his own progress. Such training would continue almost to midnight at times, and as more fellows joined, more weights were brought and put to hard use.

It was not until 1936 that Stanko and others from this clique made the trip to Philadelphia to see the national championships which were being held in the Convention Hall annex where I proved victorious in winning the heavyweight championship and, incidentally, a berth on the Olympic team. While in Berlin I wrote encouraging letters to these fellows and found upon my return many of them training on the three lifts. The following year Stanko, a much improved lifter, came through to win the district heavyweight championship while some of the other members placed in that event. In 1938 Stanko drove with Bob Hoffman and other lifters to Cleveland and there annexed the Jr. title. Still two weeks later he came through to win the national senior heavyweight title in Woonsocket, R.I., but not until he exceeded the national record in the clean and jerk was he able to cinch it. In this dramatic moment he proved he not only had great lifting possibilities, but a strong determination to win. From then on it was a series of winning until his leg injury began to make itself more uncomfortable. Late 1940 saw his first defeat in an invitation meet, but no one would accept this injury as a fact but felt this was merely an alibi to cover up his "burnt out" condition. After his defeat he resolved to make one last effort and boost his own lifting total to stratospheric heights. He underwent intensified training four times weekly in spite of the increasing pain in his legs, and April 1941 saw him reach the first official total in excess of 1,000 pounds ever made. This ordeal, however, proved too much for him, because five weeks later he failed to approach the 1,000 total previously made due to his painful leg condition. Davis and Abele both handed him his second defeat. In this event Davis succeeded in making a 1,000 pound total, becoming the second man in the world to hoist this poundage. It's a pity and an unrestful event in lifting annals that this condition should overcome Stanko at this time, because had both these men continued with their ever increasing totals there might have been different figures to write today.

That was Stanko's last lifting. Several days after this contest he was ordered to bed by medicos in hopes that complete rest might overcome the condition they failed to fully analyze. It has been stated by attending doctors that if he didn't take part in the last contest his condition would not have been so aggravated. Whether or not this is factual no one can say now, but whatever damages were done then cannot be undone now. Instead he sought to establish himself in another medium and how he succeeded can be determined by comparing pictures of his present marvelous condition to those taken of him during his lifting days. One cannot help but feel his appearance now is far more desirable and appealing than it was years ago. He achieved what he sought to accomplish in the lifting world, a 1,000 pound total, and now he reigns as the best built man in the universe. Mr America titles, the highest honor conferred for best developments so far, appear insignificant compared to this title. There will be more contests to determine Mr. Universe in the future, but Stanko can leisurely rest now for an honor once won remains forever.

The question in some people's minds is: what do these York champions do ? Do they take life easy and just train ? Many people who visit York for the first time seem very surprised to see all the York men working. They have been under the impression that the York life consists of nothing but loafing and training, they forget that Strength & Health and York Barbell Company are the largest industry of its kind in the world and that all the York men must work to keep this industry going. Stanko is an important cog in this enterprise and has several jobs which keep him occupied. Training time comes at 4 or 4:30 P.M. when the gang gets together for a workout in the gym - which is not as classy and smart looking as other gyms in the country - but it's the results we get that counts more than looks.

Stanko gets about three or four workouts a week, as most of the other fellows here do which last about two hours, but all this time is not spent training. Training discussions, friendly arguments and disagreements just for pure contrariness are often part of this training, but when workouts are completed, all in all, everyone's had a grand time.

Like most York men Stanko is happily married and has one child. Is a devoted father and husband. He is anxiously awaiting the time when he and his family can move into their new quarters which is being constructed. Things have been difficult in this field, too, and experienced men find themselves too busy to do some of the work, consequently handyman-Stanko finds himself quite busy over weekends doing some of the jobs he can do without getting in trouble with the union. Contractors have seriously considered getting him into the union and helping the busyboys out, but Steve feels this additional work wouldn't give him much time to enjoy his family and other recreation.

Besides weight training he enjoys shooting darts and this dart throwing enthusiasm only came about when one of the other York members handed him a decisive beating in several games. Not long after that Stanko purloined himself a set of darts and a board and fastidiously sharpened his aim to trounce his former victor. This took up a lot of time and, as a result, his "cozy nook" which he's helping to build suffered because of it. But it can't be said he wasted his time in this medium, for since then he has become expertly proficient and is considering taking on the national dart throwing champ one of these days. He has other recreations as well, one of which is card playing. But here is where one is apt to run afoul when playing with Stanko...he can pick more aces and deuces out of one deck of cards than any normal deck carries. Don't ask us how he does it, but he does. He seems to acquire more royal flushes and straights than anyone, and often has more cards in his hands than any of the other players. How he gets them out of one dealing is another enigma, but he gets them just the same.

There are a lot more facts that can be mentioned, but on second thought it might be more ethical to overlook them. Personally, Stanko is a fine fellow and there isn't any other person more deserving of the title, Mr. Universe, than he. I don't think he feels any different now than he did before winning this crown, and while success may go to the head in others, it will not change him. We can be certain he will be a worthy example and uphold this honor as anyone would expect, and we are confident that others wish him the best of luck, not only during the period he reigns as Mr. Universe, but indefinitely.

America wins again, but more important is the task before us to teach others to become physically fit, mentally alert and courageous in every respect.

Photo captions

- "Mr. Universe," STEVE STANKO of the York Barbell Club, winner of the first international physique contest to find the best built man in the world, gives us his famous "irium smile."

- Meat scarce out your way ? Nutritionists estimate that one of Steve's arms would feed a family of four for six weeks! These are the arms that pressed 320 pounds and currled 205. At the time this photo was taken our "Mr. Universe" weight 210 pounds.

- "Mr. Universe" looking over a batch of Self Improvement entries. When you send your Self Improvement story in to Steve he really gives it careful personal attention. In selecting this year's winner Steve said he wished he could have given them all a trophy. (The Varga candendar on the wall was not an entrant.)

- "Mr. Universe" and his golden trophy symbolic of the best physique in the world ! Winning the coveted title hasn't in the least affected Steve's personality - he's the same guy he was before which is a welcome relief for the heads of a lot of "Mr. So and So's" have swelled bigger than their biceps ever did.