It appears, at least anecdotally, that we have the ability to tap into strength we never knew existed when life and death is on the line.
"Hysterical strength" is a less than scientific term used to describe otherwise unexplainable feats of strength performed by people in extreme situations.
It appears, at least anecdotally, that we have the ability to tap into strength we never knew existed when life and death is on the line.
Here are 15 real life stories of hysterical strength in action.
1
Buick Century
In 2012, fifteen-year-old Austin Smith lifted this Buick Century to save his grandfather working underneath it.
2
Truck
In 2016, a girl named Charlotte Heffelmire lifted a burning truck off of her father before driving it away, and returning to save the rest of her family from the ensuing house fire.
3
Shells
In WWI, Ottoman Empire gunnar Seyit Çabuk reportedly lifted 600-pound shells during the Gallipoli campaign.
4
Polar Bear
In 2006, a mother in Ivujivik, Quebec, fought off a polar bear for an extended period of time until a hunter arrived.
5
Trance
The Tibetan Nechung Oracle reportedly wore a 90-pound headdress while in a trance. When not in the trance, he could not bear the weight.
6
Tractor
In 2013, two girls named Hannah and Haylee, (aged 16 and 14 respectively), lifted a 3,000 pound tractor to save their father underneath it.
7
Car
26-year-old Kenny Franklin saved Florida Highway Patrol trooper Jack Hypes when he was run over during a traffic stop.
8
Helicopter
After filming for Magnum P.I., Vietnam Veteran Steve Kux crashed his Hughes 500D helicopter in Hawaii. Warren Everal, whose nickname was “Tiny,” lifted the helicopter enough to allow Kux to be recovered.
9
Bending Metal
In 2014, a 52-year-old man named Bob Renning saved a driver’s life by bending a car door while it was on fire during after accident.
10
The Hulk
Iconic comic book artist Jack Kirby claims his idea for The Incredible Hulk came from watching a woman lift her car to save her child.
11
'60s Car
In 1982, Mrs. Angela Cavallo lifted a ‘60s Chevy Impala high enough to rescue her son trapped underneath.
12
Camaro
In 2006, Tom Boyle lifted a Camaro to save a trapped cyclist.
13
Large Car
In 2019, 16-year-old Zac Clark lifted a weighty car off of his neighbor after hearing a call for help.
14
Renault
Six-year-old Bailey Fowler was saved after neighbors lifted a Renault Clio off of him.
15
Cadillac
In 2011, University of South Florida college football player Danous Estenor lifted a 3,500-pound 1990 Cadillac Seville to save a man trapped underneath.
