As evidenced by this earlier post, I am both repulsed and fascinated by abnormally talented children. The fascinated part is easy to explain: a kid who can hit a three-pointer at 3 years old is pretty amazing. A genetic freak, perhaps, but amazing nonetheless. The repulsive part usually comes back to the parent. In most cases, it seems apparent that the parents are getting at least much if not more out of the child’s talent than the child.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is a parenting no-no.
Thus, in that light, I give you Richard Sandrak, aka The World’s Strongest Boy, aka, Little Hercules, aka the latest installment in the amazing-child-lock-up-dad Hall of Fame:
Watch him bench press! Watch him karate chop! Watch him do cheesy 80s aerobics with a dynamic, bottle-tanned flair! Then alert child services, please, because this is four flavors of totally freaking wrong.
Enjoy.
As always, DadWagon readers, a where-are-they-now update would be appreciated.
Obviously, you don’t watch “Inside Edition” enough. The “Little Hercules” story ended about as badly as you could expect. His father was a tyrant who pushed this poor child to the breaking point, and eventually lost custody due to abuse. I saw him as an 18 yo on “Inside Edition”-natch, and he was trying to break into acting. Awful situation, all-around.
Thank you very much, Scottstev, and no, unfortunately I don’t watch enough Inside Edition. I rely on our fine readers for that sort of thing, and I’m so happy you came through. BTW–got any video on the kid now? –Theodore.
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Here’s a snippet from a TLC doc made after the abuse became public. Despite my own raging case of procrastination, I couldn’t find a pic of him now.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/602876/tlcs_worlds_strongest_boy/
So glad to ruin your day. –Theodore