Dr.Caleb Saunders Virginia Strength and Power HoF inductee 2022 (Contributor)

By Strength and Power Hall of Fame

 

Dr. Caleb Saunders

1910-1/19/2001

 

Born in Norfolk, Caleb began lifting in the early 1920s before weightlifting became an organized sport. He was the typical physical culturist of his day, with vibrant health being his primary objective. However, Caleb was an accomplished lifter, hand balancer, gymnast, and bodybuilder. In the early 1930s, he trained with well-known bodybuilder Tony Sansone in New York City. While there, he also frequented Sig Klein’s gym. In Norfolk, Caleb started what may be the first weightlifting team in the Hampton Roads area. In 1933, Caleb opened Saunders Studio in Norfolk which catered to physical culturists and the local weightlifters of the day. One of those lifters was Ken McCorkindale. On 8/4/1935, Ken, representing the Saunders Studio, lifted in the York-Toronto weightlifting contest held in York, Pa. This may be the first time a Virginia lifter lifted in an official AAU weightlifting meet.

 

Caleb is the only Virginia lifter to be featured on the cover of Strength and Health Magazine. Caleb was on the cover twice. He was the cover man on the 2/1934 and the 11/1935 issues of Strength and Health. His photos appeared in Strength and Health 8 times between 1934 and 1938. The Saunders Studio and related mail-order product advertisements would also be featured in Strength and Health.

 

In 1937, Caleb won the Strength and Health Improvement trophy due to his outstanding physique. Caleb increased his body weight from 145 to 220lbs at 6’ in height during his career. Caleb also practiced the 49 lifts recognized during his time. Caleb was known for his shoulder strength and would perform reps and sets with 210 lbs in the press behind the neck.

 

Caleb obtained his Doctor of Chiropractic License sometime in the 1930s and opened a practice in Norfolk. Caleb served in WW2 from 1942-1945.

 

Author: By Strength and Power Hall of Fame Completed: yes Created: Mon Jul 25 15:25:23 UTC 2022 | Last Updated: Wed Dec 27 14:07:51 UTC 2023