Tromp Van Diggelen The South African Hercules 1885 - Jan 1967

Tromp Van Diggelen  had a very sickly childhood and  almost died on three occasions from  bouts of pneumonia as well as bronchitis and pleurisy. 

He was lucky that he had a very strong mother who was determined that her son would be strong and healthy,  She set up an appointment in 1897 when Tromp was 12 years old and took him to see Eugen Sandow. 

Tromp Van Diggelen made many contributions to Physical Culture as an athlete, teacher,  stage performer, author, and promoter.  Perhaps none was more important than  the discovery of Max Sick who he brought to London and changed his name to Maxick realizing that a name like Max Sick was not appropriate for a strongman.   Tromp set up the initial promotion of Maxick when he arrived in London. A meeting was set up between Monte Saldo, Maxick and Tromp at the Apollo-Saldo Club and it was at that meeting that  the famous "Maxalding" Course was conceived.

Maxick was not Tromp's only  protégé.  He also promoted Josef Steinbach, a one time world champion lifter, and Herman Goerner who is undoubtedly one of the strongest men who ever lived.

He also won the Mr. Apollo Contest which was a forerunner of the current Mr. Universe contest. and had his own muscle control and strength act where he was billed as the "South African Apollo." He was the Founder of The British Amateur Weightlifting  Association  and also had a successful career as a mining engineer.