Jon Pritikin

Jon Pritikin (born February 26, 1973) is an American strongman and motivational speaker.

Jonathan Andrew Pritikin
Born (1973-02-26) February 26, 1973
Rockford, Illinois, United States
NationalityAmerican
OccupationMotivational Speaker
Spouse(s)Rhonda
Children1
Websitewww.feelthepower.org

Early life and education

Pritikin, born in Rockford, Illinois to a Jewish family, had speech and learning disabilities as a child.[1] Placed in special education in first grade, he was bullied[2] and abused by schoolmates and neighborhood children, and has said he had no friends.[3]

In high school, a teacher worked with him on his speech impediment and academic problems, and he was finally accepted on academic probation to Bethany University in Scotts Valley, California.[4]

Career

Since graduating, he has shared his anti-bullying message in the United States and around the world. He uses feats of strength as a tool to grab people's attention; he is the Guinness record holder for "the tightest circumference of two aluminum frying pans rolled together with his bare hands in less than 30 seconds".[4][5] In 1994 he started a non-profit organization, Feel the Power.[6] Since then he has spoken to more than 3 million people.[5]

Pritikin is also involved in an anti-steroid program known as S.W.A.T.S., which is an acronym for Sports With Alternatives to Steroids.[7]

Personal life

He and his wife Rhonda and their daughter Jaden live in Lodi, California.[8]

References
  1. Socha, Evamarie (3 December 2010). "Open eyes and minds". The Daily Item. Sunbury, Pennsylvania. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  2. Moore, Mike (19 April 2010). "Strength from within: Speaker shows off physical prowess, urges another kind". The Journal Times. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  3. "Strength comes in many packages, students told". The Carmi Times. 15 February 2011. Archived from the original on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  4. Niederberger, Mary (9 October 2008). "Strongman urges end to bullying in schools". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  5. Turnbull, Jessica (19 November 2009). "Guinness record-holder tells students to be strong against bullies". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on 27 November 2009. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  6. Urban, Kelly (2 September 2009). "Bodybuilder urges kids to build character". The Tribune Democrat. Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  7. "Testimonials". Antisteroidprogram.com. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  8. Brian DeNeal (4 February 2011). "Jon Pritikin to bring anti-bullying message to area schools". The Daily Register. Harrisburg, Illinois. Retrieved 5 February 2012.








    


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