A WEIGHTLIFTER that went viral at the 2008 Olympics with a promise to his dying wife as he revealed his incredible body transformation.
The Paris 2024 Games officially kick off tonight with the opening ceremony.
And more stars will be hoping to become worldwide superstars by capturing glory for their respective nations in France.
One person who achieved that in the past was Matthias Steiner, 41, who tragically lost his partner Susann in a car accident in 2007 before his big moment at the Olympics.
Having previously represented Austria, he switched his allegiance to Germany.
And he went on to claim gold 18 years ago in Beijing where he dedicated the triumph to her.
Steiner became a hit across the globe when he struggled to contain his emotions after claiming gold.
All the while as he held a photo of Susann while receiving his medal.
Steiner moved to Germany after he met his late wife – who had watched him on TV competing in weightlifting contests – and then applied for citizenship.
Steiner did find happiness again following his first love’s passing and married German TV newsreader Inge Posmyk in 2011, who he now has a child with.
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And after that success in 2008, the star did go on to compete at the London 2012 Games.
Unfortunately for him he was unable to repeat that success.
Steiner suffered an injury when he was hit on the neck by a barbell while attempting to pull 196 kg.
Then, just a year later, he confirmed that he had retired from competitive weightlifting.
Since then the former powerhouse, who has type-1 diabetes, has undergone a huge physical transformation.
And he has dramatically shed a host of pounds.
Steiner first starred in a music video back in 2017 that revealed his considerably slimmer physique.
And he has further evidenced his new thinner figure since with various television appearances.
Speaking last year to ISPO, he revealed how a bodyweight of 150kg was not something that is sustainable in everyday life.
And even though he still lifts recreationally for fun, he claimed that he shed over 100lbs.
He said: “It’s impossible to find any clothes that fit.
“It’s harder to get into the car. You have to take a nap to recover from training. You sweat a little bit every time you move.
“On the other hand, you can do deep squats with 685lbs with that strength. Now, that just doesn’t work anymore. But I’m done with that.”
Steiner has since enjoyed success as an author, writing a book titled The Steiner Principles about his weight loss journey.
And as well as starring on TV himself, he also works as a motivational speaker.
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY...
Paris 2024 Olympics – Opening Ceremony
Only one show in town today.. just about!
The historic Opening Ceremony which is taking place on the River Seine rather than a stadium ends proceedings on Friday evening.
While there has been football and rugby sevens among events which started before the ceremony this week, they will not be taking place on the day of the big bash.
Only shooting pre-event training will take place on the day of the Opening Ceremony.
Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.
