Jane Barnell (March 29, 1879 – July 26, 1951), also known by her stage names Lady Hercules, Madame Olga, and The German Strong Woman, was an American circus strongwoman and vaudeville performer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Born Elinore Jane Barnell in Wilmington, Delaware, she reportedly began her career in the circus at a young age, often performing as a bareback rider and trapeze artist before specializing in strongwoman acts. Her performances included feats such as lifting heavy weights, bending steel bars, breaking chains, and supporting multiple men on her shoulders. She was particularly known for incorporating her exceptionally long, thick hair, which sometimes reached her ankles, into her acts, using it to lift objects or people.
Barnell toured extensively with many prominent circuses and shows of her time, including Barnum & Bailey Circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and various Coney Island attractions. She was a significant draw for her combination of strength and her distinctive appearance, which often included elaborate costumes that highlighted her powerful physique and long hair.
Her career spanned several decades, making her a well-recognized figure in the golden age of American circuses and sideshows. Barnell's life and career embody the spirit of the strongwoman archetype, contributing to the rich history of physical culture and entertainment. She died in New York City at the age of 72.