Odd Erling Haugen (born January 16, 1950) is a Norwegian-born American strongman and a grip strength specialist.

He used barbells and dumbbells made out of birch trees and took metal shop courses to gain knowledge on how to build strength training equipment.

[4] By 1970, Haugen became the Norwegian national bodybuilding champion by winning Mr. Norway title at the age of 20.

In the 80s, Haugen invested in combining his interests in sport and business by opening health and fitness clubs in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and Marin County.

[2][6] Haugen is the President of Mas-wrestling USA and owns 'The Training Hall' sports club in Thousand Oaks, California where he often mentors his students, most notably 2019 World's Strongest Man Martins Licis.