Johann Petursson, was born in Dalvík, Iceland on 9 February 1913 and was known as "The Viking Giant", and as "Jóhann Risi" (Johann the Giant) and "Jóhann Svarfdælingur" (Johann from Svarfaðardalur) in his native country of Iceland. He had a normal development till the age of 15 after which accelerated growth occurred. At the age of 17 he was very strong and could lift a lorry, but at the age of 20 he was weak and suffered from walking difficulties. His height was thought to be 231 cm. (7 feet 7 inches), his weight was 135 kg (298 lbs). His artists names were “Olaf” and “der Nordische Riese Olaf” in Germany and “the Icelandic Giant” or “the Viking giant” in the US. Johann Petursson is buried in Dalvik (Iceland).