Bill Kazmaier

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Bill Kazmaier (born December 30, 1953 in Burlington, Wisconsin) is a powerlifter and strongman from the United States.

In 1979, Kazmaier won the American powerlifting championship and the IPF world powerlifting championship. He won the IPF world championship again in 1983. Kazmaier was the first person to bench press over 300 kg (661.4 lb) in IPF competition. His career best powerlifting total of 1100 kg (2425.1 lb) was the IPF and USPF Senior American record total for many years.

Kazmaier won the World's Strongest Man title three times, in 1980, 1981, and 1982. After these victories, he was not invited back to compete in the WSM contest again until 1988, when he finished second to Jón Páll Sigmarsson. He finished fourth in his final WSM appearance in 1989. In recent years, he has appeared on ESPN as a commentator on World's Strongest Man broadcasts.

Kazmaier also wrestled briefly for World Championship Wrestling in 1991. He received several shots at Lex Luger's WCW World Heavyweight Championship but failed to win the title. He also briefly teamed with Rick Steiner, only to lose to The Enforcers in a tournament final for the WCW World Tag Team Championship. A video of Kazmaier competing in the WCW ring can be seen at the following page: [1] .

Later, Kazmaier opened a fitness club in Auburn, Alabama. The gym closed in 2005.

Played fullback at the University of Wisconsin from 1973-1974 before leaving school to pursue powerlifting full-time.

In a popular Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne custom game, footman frenzy, Kazmaier is featured as the hero "The Strongest Man Ever." This hero is popularly known as Billy K.

World's Strongest Man
Preceded by: Don Reinhoudt	First (1980)	Succeeded by: Himself
Preceded by: Himself	Second (1981)	Succeeded by: Himself
Preceded by: Himself	Third (1982)	Succeeded by: Geoff Capes