Teddy grew up to be the spitting image of manliness, but as a child, he was quite the opposite. Often called “Teedie” by friends and family, he was a frail, bookish boy, prone to illness and a sufferer of asthma. He had a complete transformation when he discovered weightlifting and gymnastics, which eventually led to interests in judo and boxing. This transformation also made him a lifelong advocate for physical fitness.