Who Is Ken Patera? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ken Patera, born on November 6, 1942, is a former American professional wrestler and Olympic weightlifter, widely known for his remarkable contributions to the world of sports entertainment. With a career spanning several decades, Patera gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s, making a significant impact in the wrestling industry. In 2025, he continues to be recognized as a pioneer in professional wrestling with a legacy that inspires many young athletes.
| Occupation | Family Members |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1942 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ken Patera's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Ken Patera stands tall at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighs around 265 pounds (120 kg). His impressive physical stature and muscular build were instrumental in his success as both a weightlifter and a professional wrestler. His dedication to fitness and conditioning over the years remains an essential aspect of his enduring presence in the sports world.
Ken Patera, from a Czech-American family, was strong and extraordinarily athletic, with many people in his family also successful in athletics. His brother, Jack Patera, played football for the Baltimore Colts and was the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks from 1976 until 1982. His brother, Dennis Patera, played for the San Francisco 49ers.
Ken played football at Cleveland High School in Portland, Oregon, and wrestled at 193 pounds. Track and field was his first love, however, and he competed in the high hurdles and high jump, but a serious ankle injury forced him to switch to the shot put and discus in high school.
Ken grew to become one of the nation's premier track and field weight throwers, competing at Brigham Young University. After his disappointing sixth-place finish in the shot-put at the 1968 Olympic trials, he turned his full and complete attention towards Olympic weightlifting.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ken Patera is known to be private about his personal life. While he has previously been linked to various relationships, there is no publicly confirmed information regarding his current dating status or any significant other. His focus remains primarily on his career and legacy rather than his romantic life, allowing him to maintain a level of intrigue among his fans.
Net Worth and Salary
Ken Patera's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $1 million. His earnings have been accumulated through a combination of professional wrestling, weightlifting, and various business ventures over the years. Patera also made notable appearances in wrestling promotions such as WWE and AWA, contributing to his financial success throughout his career.
Career, Business and Investments
Patera’s illustrious career began with his success in weightlifting, where he competed in the 1972 Olympic Games. Transitioning to professional wrestling, he rose to fame with his charismatic persona and impressive in-ring abilities. Beyond wrestling, Patera has been involved in various business ventures, including sports-related enterprises and motivational speaking engagements where he shares his experiences and insights with aspiring athletes.
Being a legitimate weightlifter and strongman, Patera also performed feats of strength during his wrestling career. On an episode of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, in 1978, Patera and Tony Atlas performed various feats of strength, including driving nails through boards, blowing up a hot water bottle until it popped, bending spikes wrapped in a towel and bending bars over their necks.
Social Network
In 2025, Ken Patera maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with his fans and sharing updates about his life and career. While he may not be as prolific as some modern-day celebrities, he often posts nostalgic content related to his wrestling days, weightlifting achievements, and motivational messages that resonate with his followers. You can find him on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he interacts with his dedicated fan base.
Education
Ken Patera attended the University of Minnesota, where he excelled in wrestling and weightlifting. His academic background combined with his athletics laid a strong foundation for his successful career in both the collegiate and professional sports arenas.
Before becoming a professional wrestler, Patera was a highly decorated Olympic weightlifter. He won several medals at the 1971 Pan American Games (including gold in the weightlifting total), and finished second in the 1971 World Weightlifting Championships just behind Vasily Alekseyev. On his native soil, Patera won four consecutive U.S.
Weightlifting Championships in the super heavyweight class from 1969 to 1972. He was the first American to clean and jerk over 500 lbs (227 kg), which he accomplished at the 1972 Senior Nationals in Detroit.
He is also the only American to clean and press 500 lbs (227 kg), and was the last American super heavyweight for years to excel at weightlifting at an international level.
At the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, Patera was expected to be a serious competitor to Vasily Alekseyev, but he failed to total and was not among the medal recipients. After the clean and press, a lift in which Patera excelled, was eliminated from competition, Patera retired from weightlifting.
