Walt Redhead

Walt Redhead

Walt with some of his trophies. He is holding a cup presented by Court Saldo for
Muscle control achievements.

Walt Redhead of Hull featured prominently on Maxalding adverts for some while. He started young and by the age of 24 he was already proficient. The photo below, taken in 1955 when he was 24, shows the extent of his development.

In an article in 'Bodybuilder' in January 1954 Courtland Saldo wrote ' ... Walt's father, an old follower of Maxick, told us that not so long ago it was feared that Walter might have to lose his arm through a bone disease. But PC triumphed and this boy is now improving steadily in development and muscle control'

Walt's father, Ted Redhead

Walt, in 1949 aged 17, with Osteomyelitis in the right arm

Bodybuilder Magazine - January 1954

The full article can be read HERE

In 1956 Walt won the title in the 'Britain's Best Abdominals' competition. The photograph below appeared in the 'Health & Strength' annual after he won the title.

Health & Strength Annual - 1956

Walt appeared on the covers of several bodybuilding magazines - here are two from 1958

This is how Walt featured in the Maxalding brochure in the late 60s

and in the mid 70s

These two photos, from 1964 show Walt & Jack Redhead practicing Muscle Control

and here is an informal picture of Walt and John Montana with Court Saldo

John Montana, Courtlandt Saldo & Walt Redhead

Some professional shots of Walt and some of his trophies taken at the age of 37

In 1971 Walt came 1st in the Mr. North West Britain Over 35s competition, one of Bert Loveday's shows.

In 1972 he won the 'Mr Hull' competition, at the age of 41, and the same year did a Muscle Control act at The Hull Art Centre as 'The Golden Statuette'

Walt Redhead - Winner of Mr Hull Competition 1972

Walt as 'The Golden Statuette' - Hull Art Centre - 1972

Also in 1972 demonstrating the Scapula Abduction

At the age of 60 Walt was still going strong and still a champion. These photos were taken At the Hathershaw Gym, Oldham in 1991 after winning the 11 stone I.S.S.A. (International Steel Strand Pullers Association) British Championship and breaking the British Record.

Walt aged 60. By this time he had had 3 hip replacements!

Walt was no stranger to Strand-Pulling awards. Back in 1969 he broke the I.S.S.A. record in the British 12 stone class with a right arm push 0f 554 lb. This was noted as 'the highest poundage ever recorded on any pull' You can read a potted biography from the ISSA Newsletter of 1969 here.

Finally, here's Walt, aged 65, giving a great demonstration of Scapula Abduction.

Photo taken on Christmas Day 1996 at Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Walt writes in January 2001:

'I won 7 Bronze Medals, 6 Silver Medals, 2 Statuettes and the Maxalding Cup for Strength Feats and Muscle Control, so I did very well. I have always been an 'all round' Strength Athlete winning Cups, Medals & Trophies for Weight Lifting, Bodybuilding, Muscle Control, Strand Pulling, Running, Football etc. so I have been involved in all sports.

I did my Muscle Control act just locally and at Weightlifting matches.

I think one of my best results was to win the 'Britain's Best Abdominals' contest in 1955 but I think that my Abs were at their best when I won the Mr. Hull contest in 1972.

I am semi-invalided now, having had 6 hip operations.

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