Game of Thrones’ The Mountain actor Hafthor Julius Bjornsson breaks world record by deadlifting over half ton
Hafthor Julius Bjornsson, most famous for playing the role of “The Mountain” on HBO’s globally-acclaimed fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’ is making everyone feel insecure about their lockdown routines. The 31-year-old Icelandic strongman successfully deadlifted 1,104 pounds (501 kilograms) live on his YouTube channel on Saturday, May 2.
Talk about remaining constructive during the coronavirus pandemic! The 6 feet 9 inches, 425-pound Bjornsson smashed the record from ReykjavÍk, Iceland, as part of the World’s Ultimate Strongman Competition, lifting more than twice his own weight. The event aired live on ESPN as well.
Per Sports Bible, Bjornsson aced his first two lifts without any effort -- 926 pounds (420kg) and 1,025 pounds (465kg) -- before creating a new record. Commenting on his record, Bjornsson told The Sun: "I’m absolutely speechless, so happy and thankful. Blessed. Everything went according to plans, I’m over the moon. I believe today I could’ve done more, but what’s the point? I’m happy with this."
Because of the lockdowns caused by the coronavirus, this deadlift attempt was very different from Bjornsson’s previous Strongman competitions, which have always taken place in front of huge crowds. Speaking to the New York Post before the event, Bjornsson said, “It’s going to be more of a challenge for me because I can say without a doubt that I perform five, maybe 10 percent better in a competition -- the crowd gives you that adrenaline rush that you need. I’m a little bit worried to do it in my gym by myself with a doctor, a referee and film crew.”
He was worried for no reason, in retrospect. Bjornsson’s fellow Strongman and rival Eddie Hall, whose record the former broke today, in an Instagram post on April 10, questioned the legitimacy of Bjornsson’s attempt taking place outside normal competition conditions.
“Absolutely no legitimate sport would acknowledge World Records broken out of competition and you are undermining the very sport you are claiming to champion,” he wrote, adding with grace, “I genuinely look forward to having my record broken and seeing what is possible. I think you (Bjornsson) are probably the man to do it, there’s no denying that and I’ll still shake your hand afterwards and say well done... if you do it under the appropriate conditions. For the record, I feel the same way about the other ‘records’ that are being attempted, it just doesn’t feel right and there are 1000s of strength fans and athletes that feel the same way.”
Post breaking the record, Bjornsson had a response for Hall. "Eddie Hall has been running his mouth for two weeks now and I know that he got the same deal,” he told The Sun, referring to his seven-figure contract with Core Sports. "So Eddie, I just knocked out your record, and now I’m ready to knock you out in the ring. Time to put your fists where your big mouth is and sign the Core Sports contract. I’m ready. Are you ready, Eddie?"
Fans were, of course, delighted with Bjornsson’s record. And in awe. “Crushed the deadlift WR like it weighed nothing. Thor is a scary man,” wrote a fan. Another wrote, “Congrats Thor Bjornsson, world record deadlift of 501KG and made it look easy.”
They also talked about his rivalry with Hall: “Hafthor just deadlifted 501 kg/1102lbs like a charm, and then proceeded to call out Eddie Hall in front of 250,000 people. f****** incredible.”
Many couldn’t also help but take pot-shots at Hall for his previous comments, and also Hall’s fans. “I love all of Eddie's fan boys that are calling Thor out because 1kg isn't a significant amount of weight to beat the record by. I guess it’s time to start calling out Olympians runners who beat records by fractions of a second.”
