Elvira Sansoni
Her real name unknown, Elvira Sansoni was one of the early strong women of the circus, performing for the Great Wallace Shows from 1895-1897. Described as a ‘Female Sandow’, her performance was likely associated with the strong man Eugen Sandow, comparing her strength to his. Elvira was performing around the same time as strong woman Katie Sandwina (Katie Brumbach).
Katie was an undefeated strongwoman and wrestler who eventually bested Eugen Sandow in a lifting battle in front of a live audience. She then took his name as a constant reminder that she was stronger than a strong man, changing her last name to Sandwina.16Katie was one of the most famous strong women in history, and was likely a role model for other strong women.