Harold Collins,
a Lumbee strongman also known as Chief Iron Bear, has an extensive reputation
for record-setting feats of strength and powerlifting. He has medals
and records in the following contests: North Carolina benchpress, U.S.
Powerlifting, World Bench Press, U.S. Strongest Man, and World's Strongest
Man. In addition, he has five strength events recorded as Guinness World
Records. Collins, who owns and operates the Pembroke Power House Gym,
has been deeply committed to charitable work (particularly getting young
people involved in weightlifting and keeping them away from drugs).
I have written an
article on his accomplishments as an athlete, with brief biographical
details and mentions of his civic activities, which will appear in Native
Americans in Sports, edited by C. Richard King, to be published
by M.E. Sharpe in December, 2003.
For more information
about Collins, please consult the following sources:
AMSL001.
“American strength legends: Chief Iron Bear Collins.”
JAME001.
James, Beverly. “Human tractor sets big goals, has lots of pull.”
Charlotte Observer 10 April 1994: 1B.
SLOA001.
Sloan, Bob. “World record; Pembroke's Collins places himself among
Guiness (sic) greats by pulling 86,560 pounds.” Robesonian
14 April 1994: 1B.
MAYN007.
Maynor-Clark, Vinita. “World's strongest man, Chief Iron Bear,
to compete in U.S. Strongest Man Competition.” Carolina Indian
Voice 24 September 1998: 1.
PETE001.
Peterson, Stacy. “Strong man Collins powers way to world record.”
Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, NC) Friday, 12 January 2001.
Click
here to see some photographs of Collins involved in strength activities
(used with his permission).
