Vladimir Shmondenko, famously known as Anatoly Powerlifter, is a Ukrainian weightlifter and content creator who became an internet sensation after one of his gym pranks went viral.
His comedic clips involve disguising himself as a cleaner, older man, or a newbie trainer, wearing overalls that hide his bulging biceps, solid abs, and muscular build. He then shocks unsuspecting gymgoers with his incredible strength as he carries huge weights effortlessly.
Born into poverty, Vladimir is now a millionaire after his hilarious gym pranks went viral on YouTube, and he started getting fitness sponsorships and even started a personalized training service. Read about his path from farm life to fitness influencer in this in-depth guide!
All About Vladimir Shmondenko
Vladimir Shmondenko was born in Kryshtopivka, Cherkasy, Ukraine, on August 10, 1999. His family lived in a small village with around 200 people. Vladimir grew up on a cattle farm, and from a young age, he tended the animals and crops daily.
He moved from his hometown to continue his studies in Kyiv and moved again to Moscow in 2019 to pursue his career as a powerlifter and fitness influencer. Vladimir now lives in Dubai, U.A.E., as he no longer wanted to live in Russia when the country invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Currently, Vladimir is 24 years old. He stands at a height of 5’11 and weighs 78 kg. His record in powerlifter deadlifting is 290 kg, while his record in powerlifter squats is 210 kg.
Aside from fitness, Vladimir’s hobbies include golfing, horseback riding and traveling.
Vladimir’s Childhood and Early Life
Vladimir Shmondenko’s dreams of becoming a professional athlete and sports influencer started at a very young age. At age 14, he first got exposed to professional bodybuilders and watched their blogs after his village got an internet connection, and he dreamed of becoming like them.
He learned all he could about weight training and even made a gym in his own home, using improvised materials like bricks, wood, and Soviet-era tractor parts so that he could train. During the cold Ukrainian winters, he had to move his gear inside, but this did not stop Vladimir.
At age 15, he ate seven eggs and cottage cheese meals daily to gain muscle mass. His classmates also ridiculed him as he brought tubs of oatmeal to school.
As Vladimir worked in the fields and tended the livestock, he dreamed of someday escaping his poverty-stricken hometown and making it big as a pro powerlifter and vlogger.
Vladimir Shmondenko: Education and Achievements
Vladimir Shmondenko earned his bachelor’s degree at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv 2017. While studying, he worked as a courier delivery boy, waited tables before and after classes, and filmed gym content.
His goal then was to buy a Canon 600D camera to improve his YouTube channel, so he juggled many jobs to save up cash. Vladimir’s humble beginnings included uploading videos of his impressive workouts on YouTube in 2015, using only a budget phone.
Vladimir won 3rd place at the 2018 G.P.A. World Championships held in Ukraine. He competed in the Teen 18–19 category. Additionally, he has won many more titles as a competitive weightlifter in both Ukrainian and European championships and strongman competitions.
What Is Vladimir Shmondenko’s Career and Net Worth?
Vladimir Shmondenko has maintained a professional powerlifting and sports career for over ten years. He’s also a successful content creator known for his viral gym pranks.
He uploaded his first-ever YouTube video on December 20, 2015, and his channel grew in popularity. At present, Vladimir has a total of 30 million followers on all his social media, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Vladimir is also an entrepreneur, offering personalized training, diet, and nutrition programs on his official website. His 30-day Anatoly Challenge workout program for fitness fanatics is currently sold out.
He has an estimated net worth of $2–3 million, with his primary income sources being YouTube revenue, fitness brand sponsorships for Ryse Fuel and Myprotein, and subscription fees for his personalized home and gym fitness programs.
Vladimir Shmondenko: Relationships and Romantic Life
Although Vladimir Shmondenko is not married, he is in a serious relationship with the lingerie model and Instagram personality Valery Shirshova.
She has 128,000 followers on her account, @joeherrstedt, where she posts snapshots of her and Vladimir’s travels and luxurious lifestyle in Dubai and Bali. She’s also shown her fitness journey on the platform and a glimpse of her and Vladimir’s intimate moments.
