Richard Sorin Obituary : Richard Sorin Death : American Strongman and Sorinex Owner Richard "Pops" Sorin Is Dead

Richard 'Pops' Sorin, an American strongman and a grip strength specialist, has died, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced the world of strength training and grip strength.

Sorin developed his noteworthy grip strength at a young age. At just 13 years old, he demonstrated his exceptional ability by pinch gripping a pair of 35 lb (15.9 kg) York Barbell plates. This early display of strength was a precursor to his illustrious career in strength athletics. 

With a solid background in collegiate track and field, as well as national-level Olympic weightlifting, Sorin rose to prominence and established himself as an icon within the grip training fraternity.

In 1991, Sorin achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first man to officially close the IronMind Captains of Crush No.3 gripper, a feat that is recognized as the gold standard in world-class crush grip strength. This accomplishment earned him the nickname 'Grip King,' solidifying his status as a legend in the grip strength community.

Sorin's remarkable feats of grip strength include repetitively pinch gripping a pair of old York 45 lb (20.4 kg) plates with thin rounded edges that are 4 inches (10 cm) thick together. He also lifted a 201 lb (91 kg) anvil and snatched 100 lb (45 kg) anvils by their horns. 

His prowess with grippers was further showcased by his ability to perform 7 repetitions with the Captains of Crush No.3 gripper and close the notorious 'Phantom 4' gripper. Additionally, he achieved a maximum pinch grip of 123 lb (56 kg), a rolling thunder lift of 235 lb (107 kg), and demonstrated his grip strength with feats such as lifting the Thomas Inch dumbbell, gripping the original Blob, and executing a legendary 1,331 lb (604 kg) rack pull lockout hold with a raw grip.

Beyond his personal achievements, Sorin was a significant figure in the strength training community as the founder of Sorinex, a company renowned for its high-quality strength training equipment. His contributions to the field extended beyond his own feats, as he influenced countless athletes and enthusiasts through his innovations and dedication to strength training.

In March 2023, Sorin's impact on the world of sports was formally recognized with his induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame, an honor that celebrated his lifelong commitment to excellence in strength athletics.

Richard 'Pops' Sorin's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a pioneer and icon in grip strength and strength training will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.