Remembering Don Reinhoudt

I just saw the news that Don Reinhoudt was killed when his vehicle struck a tree. Don was from nearby Chautauqua County. I met him when I was 19 and he was considered as the strongest man in the world.

For a given weight a barbell is easier to lift because it is balanced and made for lifting. Don's powerlifting records were impressive enough, powerlifting is the sum of one's best lift in the squat, bench press and, deadlift. But the "World's Strongest Man" contests that he regularly won involved lifting awkward heavy objects, like logs and tires, and pulling trucks. Don could tear a car license plate as if it was a sheet of paper.

Don was 78 and died in an accident, as opposed to natural causes. I think that indicates that he didn't take steroids. We hear of fantastic athletes but who die of natural causes at a relatively young age.

Don was also a committed Christian.