Ukrainian bodybuilder and YouTuber Vladimir Shmondenko, also known as Anatoly Powerlifter, has taken the internet by storm with his hilarious antics at the gym.
The 24-year-old weightlifter, who hails from a cattle farm near the village of Krishtopovka, first started lifting weights in 2016 after discovering American bodybuilder videos online.
Despite facing ridicule from classmates for his strict diet of cottage cheese and eggs, along with his unconventional gym setup made of wood, bricks, and Soviet-era tractor parts, Vladimir persevered and eventually gained a following on his Russian-language YouTube channel, which boasts nearly 2 million subscribers. His channel features videos of him pranking unsuspecting gymgoers by dressing up as a cleaner or pensioner before effortlessly lifting heavy weights.
In 2018, Vladimir Shmondenko placed 3rd at the GPA World Championships in Ukraine in the Teen 18-19 category. His net worth is estimated to be around £1.45 million, thanks to YouTube revenue and fitness brand sponsorships.
Vladimir is known for his impressive powerlifting feats, with a deadlift personal record of 290kg and a squat personal record of 210kg. Standing at 5’11 and weighing 78kg, he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of bodybuilding.
While Vladimir Shmondenko goes by Anatoly Powerlifter in the gym, his real-life persona is quite different. He often portrays a weak and ignorant cleaner or retiree before surprising onlookers with his strength and agility. This alter ego adds a comedic element to his performances, similar to characters like Dame Edna Everage.
The weightlifter’s personal life also garners attention, with reports indicating that his girlfriend is lingerie model Valery Shirshova. The couple shares glimpses of their extravagant lifestyle in Dubai and Bali on social media, with Valeria documenting her plastic surgery journey and their adventures together. Despite not having children, they do have two hamsters whom they enjoy driving around on remote toy motorbikes.
