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Vladimir Shmondenko, popularly known as Anatoly, is famous for his prank videos where he dresses up as an old man or a janitor in gyms and lifts crazy weights so the people training there are taken by surprise. But is Anatoly a professional powerlifter? Or does he just do it as a hobby for his YouTube and Instagram?
Yes, Anatoly holds the title of Master of Sports of International Class in Powerlifting, which is an international-champion-equivalent title in itself, as per the criteria laid out by the Unified All-Russian Sports Classification.
The first world powerlifting event Anatoly participated in, was in 2019, after which he started preparing himself for bigger international competitions.
Vladimir's journey as an influencer has been quite the opposite of easy. Although he made his YouTube channel back in 2015, he didn't taste success until college ended. When he was at the University, he participated in a regional powerlifting competition and bagged first place.
Watch his 6-year-old vlog of the same:
"My whole life I was my own trainer" - Anatoly
Vladimir has shared the story of his life on his Instagram. He was born in 1999 in Krishtopovka, Ukraine. As a teen, he used to work in the farms and help rear farm animals. Soon, upon gaining access to the internet, he began following American bodybuilders and bloggers. Then he realized that he wanted to be like them and motivate other people. He wrote:
"I was born in a small village and started working out at the age of 14. I never had a trainer, or a proper gym to train in. To work out, I used anything I could possibly get my hands on." via shmondenkovladimir.com
He DIY-ed his own gym and equipment and worked out in the open spaces. Despite being in a farming household, consuming enough protein wasn't a cakewalk for Vladimir. He has written:
"I secretly ate cottage cheese and eggs to support my bodybuilding career." via @vladimirshmondenko's Instagram story highights
Anatoly's success wasn't gifted to him; he worked hard for it. He is truly a self-made influencer or Instagram celebrity, as he says:
"All I did was try everything on myself. Training methods, new exercises and training life hacks. My whole life I was my own trainer." via shmondenkovladimir.com
