The Finnish legend has become this week’s hot topic in the USA after an influencer described him as “one of the craziest athletes to ever live” and “medically insane” in a social media post.

Finnish cross-country legend Juha Mieto has caught the attention of overseas fans after influencer James Pieratt was impressed by the former star’s incredible physique.

Pieratt, who has more than half a million Instagram followers, presented Mieto as “one of the craziest athletes to ever live.“ He highlighted key facts, including an oxygen uptake that he described as “medically insane.”

“It’s 15 percent higher than Lance Armstrong at the peak of his career,” said Pieratt.

The American also shared Mieto’s personal best in the 10km run, along with his height, weight, shoe size, and hand size.

“He is famous for having enormous hands,” Pieratt added.

Confirms the numbers

Mieto himself does not disagree and confirmed that the figures presented are accurate.

“I think that’s correct. I believe I am special,” the 75-year-old told Ilta-Sanomat.

“In my time, I had the largest lungs in the world, measured in Sweden,” he said.

Mieto’s oxygen uptake was recorded at 89–90 ml/kg/min, which is still slightly lower than Bjørn Dæhlie’s.

Also Read: VO2max – Who has the highest values in history?

Size

• Height: 196 cm / 6’5.5″
• Training Weight: 105 kg / 231 lbs
• Peak Training Weight (later career bulk): 132 kg / 291 lbs
• Heaviest Recorded: 145 kg / 320 lbs
• Shoe Size: EU 49–50 (US 15–16)
• Hand Size: Estimated 27–28 cm span (10.5–11 in) — famously massive hands

Endurance

• VO₂ Max (relative): 89–90 ml/kg/min
• Absolute Oxygen Uptake: ~7.0–7.2 L/min (medically INSANE)
• Resting Heart Rate: Low 30s bpm
• 10 km Run: 31:30 at 105 kg (≈ 5:04 per mile pace at 231 lbs!)
• Long Runs: 30–40 km summer training sessions, essentially marathon prep
• Training Volume: 800–1000 hours/year

Strength

• Back Squat: 180–200 kg / 400–440 lbs (for reps)
• Bench Pull (Row): 150 kg / 330 lbs (for reps)
• Pull-ups: 20+ strict, even at 100 kg bodyweight

Running

• 10km Best: 31:30
• Marathons: Could sustain marathon-length runs (40 km) in training
• Hill Sprints: Used as core conditioning

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A post shared by James Pieratt – History’s Best Physical & Mental Training (@wildhuntconditioning)

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