Born to a martial arts champion father and an aerobics star mother, Ukrainian-born Richard Sandrak was destined for bodybuilding. By age six, he had eight-pack abs, could bench press 210 pounds, and earned the title “The Strongest Boy in the World” at eight. His fitness fame led to a movie role in Tiny Tarzan.

However, concerns arose over his intense training and strict diet. A 2005 documentary highlighted his harsh regimen, sparking allegations of steroid use—which his mother denied. At 15, Richard claimed he was never forced into anything, but years later, he revealed the abuse behind the scenes.

Richard’s father, Pavel, physically and emotionally abused him, turning workouts into 12-hour ordeals. Even watching TV meant non-stop squats. In 2003, Pavel was imprisoned and deported for assaulting Richard’s mother, freeing Richard from his control.

Despite newfound freedom, Richard struggled. Raised in a militant environment, he felt socially inept. He abandoned bodybuilding at 16, calling it traumatizing, and later battled alcoholism, drinking a bottle of tequila daily.

After hitting rock bottom, he quit drinking and has now been sober for over a year. Living in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and two cats, he works as a retail manager and is considering becoming a personal trainer or nutritionist.

Reflecting on his past, Richard says, “It feels like I’m looking at someone else’s life. But I’m mostly happy with who I am today.