Strongman has now grown to be quite a major sport, but the icons of the sport had a large role in getting it to this point. One of the biggest legends is undoubtedly Bill Kazmaier, known for being one of the first men to become a World’s Strongest Man and inspiring generations of athletes since. Unfortunately, Bill has recently been hospitalized in the Philippines due to a life threatening heart condition.
Bill Kazmaier already underwent a successful procedure called angioplasty. It is used to open up blocked coronary arteries, restoring the patient’s blood flow to the heart. However, Kazmaier still needs to undergo another surgery. Namely, he will receive an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator with a pacemaker, which should help with his life threatening heart condition.
“I’m thrilled to share that my father successfully underwent angioplasty, which was made possible and paid for by the funds raised so far. The procedure went well, and he’s now on track for the next critical phase: receiving an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) with pacemaker functionality. Together, these devices will help regulate his heart rhythm and provide emergency support should his heart go into a dangerous rhythm,” wrote Bill Kazmaier’s son.
Check out Bill Kazmaier’s message from the hospital here:
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Bill Kazmaier is now stuck in the Philippines, unable to travel and without healthcare. For this reason, he organized a GoFundMe, where people can donate and help cover the cost of the surgeries. The goal is set to $100,000 and the gathered amount so far stands at nearly $50,000.
“Please know that every donation—no matter the size—helps my father get one step closer to a healthier future. Your kindness has already changed our lives, and I’m deeply grateful for your continued support,” wrote Bill Kazmaier’s son.
Bill Kazmaier’s Career
Bill Kazmaier is easily one of the most influential strength figures in the world, known for his dominance and insane power. He is mostly recognized for becoming the first athlete in history to string together three World’s Strongest Man titles in a row. Kazmaier achieved this between 1980-1982. His passion for Strongman remained with him throughout his entire life, as he found himself in many roles across multiple competitions.
Bill Kazmaier’s success was not only limited to Strongman, as he also had an incredible career in powerlifting. As a powerlifter, Bill’s biggest success was winning two IPF World Championships. He first took the throne in 1979, but had to wait four more years for his second title.
Bill Kazmaier has fought many great battles throughout the years, but now, at 71-years-old, he is battling a life threatening condition. Hopefully, the outcome of Bill’s situation comes out positive, as the International Sports Hall of Famer still remains the biggest inspiration for many strength enthusiasts around the world.
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