John Lees

John Lees (17 January 1930 – 14 November 2021) was an English bodybuilder and later a professional wrestler who won Mr. Universe in 1957.

Early life and career Lees was born in the Castle Hall district of Stalybridge in Greater Manchester, to John and Elsie Lees. At age 14, Lees left St Peter's RC School and began working for his father's building firm. He attended night school during which he studied joinery and bricklaying.

While in his early teens, Lees began bodybuilding. His early method of training entailed lifting bags of cement in each hand during work. He also trained with the East Cheshire Harriers athletic club.

Lees continued his interest in health and fitness during his National service in the British Army as a Physical training instructor (PTI), during his time spent in Germany.

Lees was featured in an article published in Northern News related an interview with Lees in which he addressed competing with a severely injured elbow as well as the physical demands of the business. In the same article, a pair of photographs show Lees in the ring against an opponent described as an Austrian strongman named Felix Kerschitz. Northern News apparently shared these photographs as well as the match result originally reported by another publication called the Scots Corner, indicating Lees scored a victory against Kerschitz by knockout. No date was given as to when this match occurred.

With a total of 224 matches, Lees wrestled his final match on 13 August 1970, winning a victory over Hektor van Mullen. He died on 14 November 2021, at the age of 91. He is survived by a daughter named Tina and two grandchildren.

Competitive history Lees participated in the following bodybuilding competitions:

1949: Mr Britain - HSL, 3rd 1950: Mr Britain - HSL, 3rd 1950: Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium-Tall, 1st 1952: Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd 1953: Mr Britain - HSL, Winner 1953: Mr Europe - 4th 1953: Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd 1954: Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd 1955: Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 3rd 1956: Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd 1957: Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st 1957: Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner