Unlimited, One Hand, Men

In the one-hand lift the lifters had to lift the weight with each hand separately. Launceston Elliot won this dumbbell lift, reversing the order of the barbell event. It was a simple win for Elliot, who picked 71 kg. for his first lift, and cleared the weight to win easily. The Greeks clearly took a great liking to the handsome Launceston Elliot. One source reported “This young gentleman attracted universal attention by his uncommon type of beauty. He was of imposing stature, tall, well proportioned, his hair and complexion of surprising fairness.” Another wrote of “… the finest man of English birth” and he received an offer of marriage from a “highly placed lady admirer.”

At the end of the dumbbell event, the strength of Prince Giorgios was demonstrated. The Prince had been the lead judge for the weightlifting events and was renowned for his strength. One of the aides attempted to move one of the weights but without success. The Prince bent over and picked it up with ease. The Official Report noted “The public admires and claps with enthusiasm and cheers.”

Jensen was hampered by an injury sustained during his last attempt of 112 kg. in the two-hand lift. He lifted 57 kg. with each hand, while Nikolopoulos apparently lifted 57 kg. with only one hand.