About 15 years ago, Richard Sandrak, who moved from Ukraine to the United States, was called the strongest boy in the world.
Richard started to exercise seriously when he was just a child. And at the age of 8 he could bench-press with more than 30 pounds! At 11 years of age he lifted 53 pounds!
Now he’s 24 years old and it’s hard to call him a jock.
Once he was given the nickname «Little Hercules», he was constantly invited to competitions, TV-shows, commercials, magazines and even movies. That’s why Richard’s family moved to California, so the son could fully realize himself.
Training, nutrition, regime — these points were monitored by the boy’s father — a former world champion in martial arts. Very often the man was criticized for abusing his son and putting a lot of pressure on him.
And when Richard was 11 years old, he called the police when his father assaulted his mother. The man was put in jail for domestic violence.
The boy stopped communicating with his father and no longer recognized him. For a while he was still practicing, but gradually it became less and less.
At the moment Richard says: «I am very proud of my achievements as a child, I am not ashamed of them and I do not try to hide this page of my life from anyone. And he adds: «I just don’t want to live like that anymore.» «They tried to make me look like some kind of abomination of nature.»
Now Richard continues to exercise, but not as fanatically. He runs every morning and also likes skateboarding. By profession, he is a stuntman at the show «Waterworld» in Los Angeles, where he is set on fire at least five times a day, and then he has to dive into the water from a great height.
Once he was asked what he wanted to be, his answer was surprising: «A scientist, doing quantum physics… or an engineer at NASA. Why not»?
Willie Nelson’s Son Delivers a Stunning Rendition of The Sound of Silence
Willie Nelson is a living legend, but have you heard about his son, Lukas Nelson?
Lukas has an incredible musical gift that deserves recognition. While he undoubtedly learned from his father, his rendition of The Sound of Silence is so mesmerizing that one might wonder—could even Willie have delivered it in such a breathtaking way?
A Performance That Provided Hope
The year 2020 was challenging for everyone, yet Lukas Nelson offered a moment of solace during those difficult times.
As the world faced uncertainty and New York City struggled with the peak of the pandemic, Lukas chose to cover Paul Simon’s The Sound of Silence. His heartfelt performance quickly resonated with music lovers everywhere, becoming a source of comfort and hope.
A Unique Voice and Style
Lukas Nelson has always demonstrated that he is an artist in his own right. His rendition of The Sound of Silence proves that he is more than just Willie’s son—he is a musician with a distinctive voice and artistic vision.
While there are similarities between Lukas and his father, he is far from being just a country version of Willie Nelson. Lukas has cultivated his own signature sound, which shines through beautifully in this stripped-down, acoustic cover.
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic
The Sound of Silence is an enduring masterpiece, yet Lukas’ version feels both modern and deeply personal. He embraces his natural vocal range, relying on raw emotion and authenticity rather than digital enhancements.
His smooth and sincere delivery elevates the song, making it a standout interpretation. And his guitar skills? Simply phenomena
Carrying On the Nelson Legacy
One fan summed it up perfectly: “We’ll always have Willie’s voice with us.” And that’s true.
However, Lukas Nelson is proving that he is carving his own path. Whether he’s performing a beloved classic or showcasing his original work, Lukas makes it clear—he’s here to stay.
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