A Frail Beginning
Long ago, in an impoverished town in Poland, a fragile Joseph Greenstein entered the world prematurely. Born three months too soon in 1893, the young boy, whom the world would later know as the Mighty Atom, fought against the odds from the start of his life.
Doctors grimly predicted his demise, sure that he wouldn't survive infancy. But this frail baby would go on to not only survive but also achieve some of the most incredible feats of strength in recorded history. His superhuman story and legacy defy all expectations.
Defying the Grip of Illness
As Joseph grew, illness began to plague him. Because of his poorly developed lungs at birth, he battled chronic asthma and breathing problems. He always appeared weak and susceptible to the whims of his frail constitution. But facing this reality, a spark ignited within him that desperately wanted a life of strength and vitality.
Despite his fragile state, he refused to succumb to the illness. And as if by force of will alone, he managed to get better and continued to grow into his teens. Then the real test came.
Death Sentence
Joseph could have sworn he was out of the woods as far as life-threatening diseases went. But at age 14, tuberculosis gripped him like an unrelenting ex who can’t bear to see their old flame move on. It was the early 1900s, and TB was a three-year death sentence.
This cast a dark cloud over Joseph’s future as doctors once again proclaimed his grim fate. Faced with such despair, a rebellious fire lit up within him. With nothing to lose, he resolved to escape his mundane existence in the circus.
A Desperate Dream
The circus felt like freedom to Joseph and had always captivated his imagination. And so, one night, the scrawny and determined boy secretly approached the gates of a traveling circus. This event would change his life—if it didn’t kill him first.
With no money for a gate fee, Joseph attempted to slip past the watchful eyes of the carnival men. Unfortunately, his audacity was met with violence. The brutes assaulted him for trying to rip them off their entitled payment, leaving him battered in a muddy alley.
Encounter with Champion Volanko
The three years that tuberculosis left Joseph with to live were going to be filled with discomfort and chronic coughs. Dying sooner may have been tempting, but this wasn't how he wanted to go out. However, in this very dark hour for Joseph, fate intervened. From the shadows emerged a daunting figure, the circus strongman himself, Champion Volanko.
Drawn to the frail boy before him, Volanko recognized his determination to live. Moved by compassion, he offered a hand of redemption, unknowingly forever altering the course of the boy's life.
Embracing a Mentor's Wisdom
Volanko, a man of immense strength and experience, saw the potential within Joseph and was willing to guide him toward a life of strength and vitality. He shared his own journey, revealing the trials and tribulations he had overcome to become the revered strongman he was. He spoke of discipline, resilience, and the power of belief.
Every word seemed to resonate with Joseph, and the circus strongman became a guiding light and beacon of hope for him. Volanko emphasized the transformative power of cultivating a strong mind and body.
Forging His Body and Mind
Inspired by Volanko's wisdom, Joseph swore to embrace his teachings for a new life. He ran away from home to travel with his new mentor alongside the Issakoff Brothers Circus. The journey of self-improvement began as he embraced a new diet and pushed his body to its limits.
But it wasn’t just about physical strength; Joseph also developed a resilient mindset. Through meditation and visualization, he cultivated an unyielding belief in his own abilities, eradicating doubt and fear. And the results were about to become evident.
From Apprentice to Performer
Joseph's dedication to his training bore fruit as he transitioned from apprentice to performer. The circus became his stage, where he showcased his burgeoning power. Although his stature remained modest, his presence commanded attention.
For the 18 months that he traveled with the circus, Joseph’s strength and agility had become something to be reckoned with. Still a teenager, he decided it was time to return home. He married a beautiful woman named Leah soon after, with whom he began a new chapter of life.
Journey to Freedom
Joseph was ready to begin this new phase of his life but realized he couldn’t do so in his Polish homeland. Being of Jewish heritage, he detested the growing anti-Semitism and set his sights on relocating to the United States.
He embarked on a voyage across the Atlantic with his beloved wife. Together, they sought a better life, free from prejudice. And with this move, the stage was set for the chapters of his life for which he became historically remembered.
New Beginning in Texas
Texas greeted Joseph with open arms, offering a fresh start in a land of opportunity. He toiled in the oil fields and worked as a dockhand, laboring tirelessly to support himself and his wife. He wasn’t particularly fazed by the grueling demands of his day job, but he soon found his calling in professional wrestling.
Under the moniker "Kid Greenstein," Joseph stepped into the ring. Each match showcased his arduous training and unwavering determination. The audience witnessed his tenacity and skill, cheering on the underdog who defied expectations.
A Brush with Death
Joseph continued living in Galveston, Texas and grew his reputation as a skilled professional wrestler. But amidst his success, a dark cloud loomed in the form of a coworker consumed by jealousy and obsession. Driven by a misguided desire for Joseph’s wife, the man confronted him one fateful day.
Using a 38 Special, he aimed and shot at Joseph’s head right between his eyes. Time seemed to stand still as the deafening sound of the gunshot pierced the air. But no one could ever have imagined what happened afterward.
The Miraculous Survival
The gunshot's echo reverberated in Joseph’s head, but he survived relatively unscathed in an astonishing display of resilience. He even left the hospital on the same day without help from anyone. The bullet's trajectory defied explanation—some believed it ricocheted off his impenetrable skull, while others insisted it flattened on impact.
Regardless of the details, one thing was clear; the young man had cheated death. This awakened a new determination within him and was the main trigger for the next stage his life headed.
Relocation to New York
No one considers it wise to remain in the place an attempt on their life was made. Seeking a fresh start, Joseph left Texas for the bustling streets of New York City. It was there in Coney Island he finally found a stage to showcase his awe-inspiring feats of strength.
With newfound confidence in his abilities, he displayed his power to the public. As the crowds swelled, they watched him shatter chains across his chest, bend iron bars with his hands, and dent horseshoes with his forehead.
Birth of the Mighty Atom
News of Joseph’s incredible resilience after surviving a gunshot to the head traveled far and wide. His confidence soared, and a new persona was born—the Mighty Atom. His reputation spread like wildfire, drawing spectators eager to witness the astonishing spectacle.
With each performance, he pushed the boundaries of what seemed humanly possible. He demonstrated his unparalleled strength by doing things no one dared to. Many of his stunts were downright crazy, like when he drove nails into sheet metal with his bare hands! And there are more.
Bed of Nails
One time, in a display that defied conventional understanding, the Mighty Atom laid upon a bed of nails. As if that weren’t dangerous enough, a wooden plank was placed upon him. And to the amazement, a Dixieland band sat on the plank, serenading the audience.
The music resonated through the crowd, mingling with their astonishment. Joseph's body bore the weight of the musicians as they played their tunes, his strength and endurance unfathomable. The spectacle captivated the imagination of onlookers, solidifying his reputation as an extraordinary performer.
The Hair-Raising Airplane Stunt
Again in 1928, the Mighty Atom seized the world's attention with a feat that sealed his place as a superhuman. A local newspaper reported that he had used a chain to attach himself to a Fairchild FC-2 airplane with his hair.
The pilot revved the engine, propelling the aircraft to up to 30 miles per hour, but the Mighty Atom held it firmly in place. With such a display, the legend of the Mighty Atom grew. But this awe-inspiring act would not come without consequences.
The Tragic Imitation
News of the Mighty Atom's astonishing airplane stunt spread throughout the country. However, in the wake of his triumph, a tragic incident unfolded. Another strongman, inspired by the airplane feat, attempted to replicate it, but that came with disastrous consequences.
Tragically, the outcome was far from what this imitator hoped for. As the plane's engine roared, disaster struck, and the strongman lost his life in a horrific accident. Feeling the weight of responsibility, Joseph contemplated the delicate balance between his feats and the safety of those they inspired.
Another Gun Pointed At Him
Just as the Mighty Atom's reputation grew on the stage, he became equally notorious on the streets. He had encountered multiple incidents where he fearlessly faced danger and stood up against injustice. In the early 1930s, a man pulled a gun on him, attempting to rob him of his earnings from strongman performances.
The man probably assumed Joseph’s stunts were stage tricks—a big mistake. Showing incredible reflexes, the Mighty Atom disarmed the thug, swiftly subduing him and recovering his belongings. He even kept the man’s weapon as a memento.
Little Giant Knocks Out Six!
The Great Depression saw a lot of Americans sinking into abject poverty, and many turned to criminal activities. It wasn’t surprising that in 1936, after a show, the Mighty Atom was ambushed by a group of six drunken dockworkers in a dark alley.
Despite being stabbed and hit, his determination and physical prowess allowed him to regain control of the situation. Using his fists alone, he retaliated with astonishing force, incapacitating the attackers and rendering them unconscious. The newspapers hailed the event as "Little Giant Knocks Out Six!"
Confronting Anti-Semitism
The Mighty Atom's unyielding spirit extended beyond those physical confrontations. In 1939, while walking past the headquarters of an American Nazi organization, he noticed a sign that read, "No Jews Allowed." Incensed by the hateful message, Joseph decided to take a stand. He approached the front door and tore the sign down with his bare hands.
A mob of around twenty hardcore skinhead Nazi sympathizers emerged from the building, ready to confront him. Undeterred, the Mighty Atom fearlessly faced the angry mob and single-handedly hospitalized 18 of the attackers.
A Hillarious Courtroom Battle
Considering the severity of the Nazis’ injuries, it was no surprise that a case was filed against Joseph. However, when he was brought to court to defend himself against charges of assault, the judge was astonished to see the injured skinheads and the unscathed strongman.
He couldn't believe one man did all that damage. Interestingly, when the judge asked Joseph about the fight, he confidently responded that it wasn’t a fight but a pleasure. After hearing the case, the judge, amazed by his display of self-defense, dismissed it.
A Hero's Contribution
As World War II engulfed the world, Joseph recognized the need to contribute to the fight against Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. He dedicated himself to raising money for war bonds, utilizing his strongman performances to inspire patriotism and support.
The Mighty Atom's efforts resulted in significant contributions to the war effort. In addition to his work with war bonds, he collaborated with the NYPD, offering his martial arts and wrestling expertise to help recruit and train more men for the under-staffed police department.
World Record Holder
Joseph conducted training sessions, teaching officers self-defense techniques rooted in jiu-jitsu. His relentless efforts left an indelible mark on New York, earning him admiration and respect from the public and law enforcement alike. The Mighty Atom became a symbol.
Following his remarkable contributions during the War, he continued to captivate audiences with his astonishing feats of strength well into his 80s. His fame reached new heights as he was featured in prestigious publications like the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley's Believe It or Not.
Comic Book Hero
The Mighty Atom's impact extended far beyond his own physical accomplishments. His dedication to training and inspiring others led him to teach fighting techniques to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). His expertise and unwavering commitment to empowering others resonated deeply with those he mentored.
In fact, Joseph served as the inspiration for the creation of the DC Comics character called The Atom. His larger-than-life persona and extraordinary abilities became the foundation for the beloved superhero, leaving a lasting legacy in popular culture.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Getting older for Joseph meant not performing as much as he would have in his youth. But he had already devised a means of earning income without his strongman performances. Not one to rest on his laurels, the Mighty Atom delved into various entrepreneurial ventures.
He launched his own line of healthcare products, using his extensive knowledge of physical fitness and well-being to create remedies and supplements. These products were sold out of the back of his van as he personally engaged with his customers and shared his wisdom.
A Poetic Soul
Beyond his physical prowess, the Mighty Atom possessed a poetic side. In his later years, he found solace in writing poetry. His introspective verses revealed a depth of emotion and contemplative nature, providing a glimpse into this extraordinary man's inner world and thoughts.
But throughout his life, something that remained evident on the surface was the Mighty Atom's dedication to his family. Despite his fame and accomplishments, he cherished his role as a husband and father to his ten children.
The Night Wanderer
In the twilight years of his life, the Mighty Atom could still be found wandering the streets of New York City alone at night. During these walks, he reminisced about his glory days, changing car tires without tools and bending iron bars with his teeth.
There was an underlying desire within him, a longing for one last test of his mettle. Hoping to encounter some punk who dared to try and mug him, the Mighty Atom remained ever-vigilant, ready to defend himself and protect the innocent.
A Last Display of Strength
During his final years, the Mighty Atom's body weakened due to the toll of time and illness. Tuberculosis failed to kill him as a teenager, but deep into his golden years, he began battling cancer. However, his indomitable spirit persisted
In 1977, the Mighty Atom sold out Madison Square Garden for his final public performance. Despite his advanced age, he astounded the crowd as he showcased the extraordinary power that had defined his life and wished his great-grandchild a happy first birthday afterward.
The Mighty Atom's Death
That final performance was in May, and Joseph's health deteriorated even further in the following months. Despite his unwavering spirit, he was not immune to the ravages of time. In October of the same year, at 84, the Mighty Atom succumbed to cancer.
The news of his passing spread, and tributes poured in from around the world, commemorating the life of a true legend. The Mighty Atom’s legacy continued to reverberate long after his death, primarily through one of his sons.
The Legacy Lives On
Among Joseph's ten kids, his son Mike Greenstein was the one who truly followed in his footsteps. Mike was inspired by his father and started performing some of his feats of strength wherever he was stationed in the United States Army Air Forces.
He most notably appeared on “America's Got Talent” in 2014. Aged 93 at the time, Mike amazed the audience by pulling a 3,500-pound car occupied by three people. He wore a T-shirt saying “Mighty Atom & Sons (1940)," proving his father's legacy.