Steve Stanko
Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey in 1917, Steve Stanko originally made a name for himself as a weightlifter. During the 1930’s Stanko broke several world records and earned a silver medal in the 1938 World Championships in Vienna. Steve had all of the makings of an Olympian until in the early 1940’s he was stricken with a case of Phlebitis which would plague him on and off for the rest of his life. Due to the inflammation and pain in his legs, Steve could not lift and dropped from his regular 225lbs to 178lbs and required the use of crutches.
Two years later, still on crutches, Stanko picked up the weights again and began dumbbell training bringing his weight back up to 203 and with it, the muscles. This grit and determination, along with a grueling free weight and bench routine allowed Stanko to make a name for himself on the body building circuits of the day, following in the footsteps of his friend and fellow York Barbell employee, John Grimek. While training for the titles of Mr. America in 1944, The Most Muscular Man in America in 1946, and Mr. Universe in 1947, Steve continued to work at York Barbell in the Strength and Health offices as a writer and editor of the popular magazine.
While there are many photos of Steve out there, we have dug through our archives to try to restore some previously unseen photos of his earlier Olympic lifts.
We will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of the Holiday.
Check out our latest blog which features a York Barbell legend John Grimek!
https://yorkbarbell.com/2020/09/the-legends-of-york-barbell-john-grimek/
YORKBARBELL.COM
The Legends of York Barbell – John Grimek - York Barbell
Check out our latest Blog which features a history of the York Swing Bar Wartime Model.
https://yorkbarbell.com/2020/08/york-barbell-company-product-history/
YORKBARBELL.COM
York Barbell Company – Product History
Weighing between 1650-1670lbs empty and with the ability to load to a weight of almost 3,000lbs, the Travis Dumbbell is the centerpiece of our museum. Originally a part of Warren Lincoln Travis' circus act, this dumbbell would be lifted using a specially made harness. Pictured with one of our 25lb rubber hex dumbbells for scale. #strongman #weightlifting #powerlifting #holycowthatslarge #oldschool #circus
Check out our latest blog.
https://yorkbarbell.com/2020/09/york-barbell-customer-spotlight-old-school-barbell-club/
YORKBARBELL.COM
York Barbell Customer Spotlight – Old School Barbell Club - York Barbell
Check out our latest blog which features a York Barbell legend Tamio “Tommy” Kono!
https://yorkbarbell.com/2020/09/the-legends-of-york-barbell-tamio-tommy-kono/
YORKBARBELL.COM
The Legends of York Barbell – Tamio “Tommy” Kono - York Barbell
Check out our latest blog which features a York Barbell legend Bill March!
https://yorkbarbell.com/2020/10/the-legends-of-york-barbell-bill-march/
YORKBARBELL.COM
The Legends of York Barbell – Bill March - York Barbell
*Beginning 11/20/20 - 12/31/20 the York Barbell Retail Outlet Store will have expanded seasonal hours.
Mon: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tues - Thurs: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Our Holiday hours are as follows:
Thanksgiving: Closed
Black Friday (11/27/20): 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
York Barbell updated their business hours.
Please note: If you have an order scheduled for local pick up today and are unable to make it to our warehouse, please let us know and we will provide you with instructions as soon as possible.
Thank You and Stay Safe!
