The Story of Matthias Schlitte, the Real German Hellboy (7 photos)

Everyone has flaws. But not everyone can turn them into strengths, especially if they're physical. German Matthias Schlitte, born with a gigantic right arm, managed to do just that. He not only overcame his insecurities but also learned to use his physical disability to his advantage, becoming an arm wrestling champion.





Matthias Schlitte was born in 1987 in Haldensleben, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. He was born an ordinary baby, but after just a couple of months, his parents noticed something was wrong. The boy's right hand grew faster than his left, and soon the difference became significant.



When Matthias was in school, his right hand was twice the size of his left. This made him a constant target for teasing from his peers and the attention of curious adults. But this physical disability didn't make the boy angry at the world, and he learned to accept himself as he was.





As an adult, Schlitte stopped paying attention to the idle onlookers and lived a normal life. But one day, everything changed. At 16, Matthias was sitting in a bar when someone challenged him to an arm wrestling match. He quickly pinned his opponent's hand on the table. He then did the same to several other patrons.



Then he came up with the idea of ​​taking up the sport and making the most of what nature had given him. That's how Schlitte realized his large arm wasn't a deformity, but a gift that could change his life. It's worth noting that the bar experience was Matthias's first. He didn't know the rules of armwrestling, much less the technique.



German "Hellboy"

The young man became interested in the sport and found an experienced coach. Just three years later, at the age of 18, Schlitte competed at his first German Championship. He immediately won a resounding victory and became famous. And that was just the beginning. Today, Matthias Schlitte is a successful athlete, having traveled to more than 30 countries. His collection includes dozens of gold and silver medals, and he is rightfully considered one of the most successful arm wrestlers on the planet.



Schlitte smiles as he recalls his childhood, when his arm attracted everyone's attention and became the subject of offensive jokes. Matthias trains daily, developing his already powerful arm. Her forearm measures 48 cm in circumference, making her look like Popeye when viewed from the right. However, Schlitte has chosen a more resonant nickname. He competes under the name "Hellboy." He's a Dark Horse Comics superhero and action hero with a gigantic right hand made of stone.



It's also worth noting that Matthias Schlitte's athletic success has irritated some. Some experts believe the German wins unfairly. After all, he competes in the 65 kg weight class, despite having a heavyweight's right hand. But no one is going to rewrite the rules of arm wrestling for Matthias's arm. That's why he continues to achieve brilliant victories around the world.