Working his way back from a torn pectoral muscle that’s taken several months and plenty of patience to rehabilitate, Björnsson unveiled his comeback plan by announcing that his first strongman competition will be in March at the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC).

The three-time ASC winner (2018-2020) and 2018 World’s Strongest Man champion delivered more details about his health status and competition schedule in a video posted on his YouTube channel on Oct. 14, 2023.

Björnsson, who will turn 35 in November of 2023, stated that he will make his return at the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic, which will take place during the weekend of March 1-3 in Columbus, Ohio.

“A lot of you guys might think it’s too soon, too heavy, and that’s okay,” Björnsson explained. “I’m going to the show with the mindset that I’m going to do my best, and I want to go and try my best against the best in the world … In my opinion, the Arnold Strongman Classic in Columbus, Ohio is one of the toughest shows with the best athletes in the world.”

Although he’s still not fully healed from his pec injury, the 2023 International Sports Hall of Fame inductee said he’s “back to 100 percent training” and has been performing staple loaded carry movements like the yoke walk, farmer’s walks, and the frame carry.

“I’m even going to throw in some [log press] soon,” Björnsson said. “So things are definitely moving in the right direction, and I’m feeling awesome.”

In addition to the Arnold Strongman Classic, “The Mountain” has two more events penciled into his schedule for next year: the 2024 Arnold Strongman UK and the 2024 Rogue Invitational.

Björnsson won’t get a much of a break once he makes competes at the ASC in early March, as the Birmingham, England-based Arnold Strongman UK competition will take place just two weeks later.

Although the March 15-17 competition won’t be quite as big as the US version, there shouldn’t be any shortage of star power across the pond. Björnsson hinted that 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic champion Mitchell Hooper, who Björnsson currently considers the best in the world, will compete in the contest. That could set the stage for an epic showdown between the iconic athlete and the reigning World’s Strongest Man.

Björnsson unsurprisingly also has his sights set on showcasing his strength and power at Rogue’s preeminent event. As a sponsored athlete who accomplished his goal of setting a record at the 2022 Rogue Invitational by throwing a 25.5-kilogram (56-pound) Scottish Highland Games weight over 6.17 meters (20 feet, 3 inches), he has ample motivation to perform at an elite level again.

“I think by the time I’ll be competing at Rogue Invitationals I should be back to a very good strength point,” Björnsson said. “So I should be able to push very hard at that show and I should be very competitive and a good threat. I think I’d be a good threat at the Arnolds anyways — with my experience, with my background, I’m a threat at any show, but I’m also giving the guys competing nowadays huge respect.”

With the 2023 Rogue Strongman Invitational scheduled for Oct. 27-29, Björnsson should have roughly a year to get ready for another record-setting outing. But with 2023 winding down, he faces a pivotal five-month stretch to prepare for a successful showing at his first strongman competition since his last official competitive appearance when he took home the title at Iceland’s Strongest Man in August of 2020.

Featured Image: Hafthor Bjornsson / YouTube

The post Hafthor Björnsson Announces Three-Part Return to Strongman Beginning with 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The 2018 World’s Strongest Man and three-time winner of the Arnold Strongman Classic made headlines in February of 2023 when he officially came out of retirement. However, just two months later, Björnsson encountered a serious setback in his quest to prove his dominance again when he tore his pectoral muscle during a powerlifting competition held at Thor’s Power Gym in Kópavogur, Iceland.

Nearly six months since suffering the injury that forced him to alter his training plans, Björnsson shared a video on his YouTube channel on Sept. 21, 2023 detailing his decision to take his career in a different (but familiar) direction.

“As of now, because of the injury, I feel like it’s the smartest decision for me to step away for a little bit, keep training, keep building up the static strength,” Björnsson explained. “Then at some point later on in my journey, maybe a year from now, two years from now, three years from now, I might pick it back up.”

This isn’t the first (or likely the last) time the 2023 International Sports Hall of Fame inductee has switched his athletic priorities. After earning a reputation as an all-time great strongman, Björnsson retired from the sport in August 2020 and subsequently competed in both boxing and powerlifting.

Although he didn’t fare quite as well in the ring, the experience of changing sports provided some important perspective.

“When I decided to do powerlifting in the first place, after being in boxing for two years, I set my goals so high and I was getting strong so fast that my body wasn’t ready for it, and that’s why I got injured, in my opinion,” Björnsson said. “I need to be smart with my training. I need to give myself more time to build up that static strength.”

After providing his rationale for putting his powerlifting aspirations on pause, the legendary competitor gave a simple explanation behind his decision to return to strongman.

“The main reason is just because I have so much love for the sport,” Björnsson said.

Motivated to make a successful comeback, the man known for portraying “The Mountain” in the television series “Game of Thrones” plans to take a patient approach to the process. Björnsson said he will take things at his own pace as he prepares to compete again.

“I’m obviously going to set big goals for myself, but when I’m going to go into a competition I’m going to do my best,” he explained. “What that means is I’m not going to be chasing a man, chasing a record, chasing something right away. I need my body to get used to the heavy lifting. I need my tendons to get stronger, and that just takes time overall.”

Despite being three years removed from his last strongman contest — a championship title at Iceland’s Strongest Man in August of 2020 — it might not be long before Björnsson captures his 39th victory in the sport.

Once he returns to active status and competes again, he would be automatically qualified to enter the 2024 World’s Strongest Man thanks to his status as a former champion. Of course, if that occurs, the Iceland native would face a tall task to take down reigning winner Mitchell Hooper, who became the first Canadian-born victor in April 2023.

But if Björnsson wins his second World’s Strongest Man title six years after earning his first, that might just be the most impressive accomplishment of his decorated career.

Featured Image: Hafthor Björnsson / YouTube

The post Hafthor Björnsson Puts Powerlifting on Pause for Return to Strongman Competition appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On July 20, 2023, Björnsson posted a video to his YouTube channel where he explained how he used a new (total) $116,000 investment to expand his personal gym in Kópavogur, Iceland. The athlete seemingly thought of every avenue, purchasing and showcasing various high-quality pieces of equipment focused on building leg, upper body, and back strength.

In order to make space for his new pieces of equipment — which are primarily for larger-sized athletes — Björnsson purchased the unit next door to his gym’s primary facility. Here’s an overview of what he ran through in the video:

Belt Squat

Björnsson said his new belt squat machine was his favorite purchase. The machine allows an athlete to perform squats without a barbell and without additional pressure on the neck, shoulders, and back muscles. Athletes lock into the machine by wearing a belt from a seated position.

“This is the belt squat, which is probably the best investment that I have made,” Björnsson explaned. “Because I’ll be able to train my legs right away … I’ve been wanting this for years, and finally I own one.”

Lying Hamstring Curl

A lying hamstring curl allows athletes to build muscle and strength in their hamstrings by either curling with both legs or performing a single-leg variation from a prone position. Björnsson’s new curl machine was almost double the size of a traditional machine.

Standing Calf Raise and Leg Extension

Like most of his equipment, Björnsson’s calf raise machine could load more weight than standard machines, making it a potentially ideal implement for more robust, bigger athletes. Meanwhile, the leg extension machine was more of a traditional variety and will help mold quad muscles accordingly.

Flat Chest Press and Incline Chest Press Machines

Björnsson placed his flat chest press and incline chest press machines near the entrance of his new unit to accommodate athletes seeking to refine their pectoral muscles. Both present quality options to work out the chest as alternatives to a more traditional barbell bench press.

Combo Pec Flye-Reverse Flye, Cable Machine, and Inverse Leg Curl

Further along in his tour, Björnsson presented a dual-purpose upper body machine to perform chest flyes as well as rear delt flyes. He also displayed an adjustable cable machine to isolate and contract upper-body muscles from a variety of angles. The inverse leg curl machine presents a change of pace but is nonetheless an effective way to work on balance and functional strength from an unconventional position, similar to the bodyweight-only Nordic hamstring curl. The exercise could be more challenging for larger athletes, given how much bodyweight they have to lift, and the inverse curl machine allows resistance to be added to assist the movement.

Björnsson appeared to be a big fan of the latter.

“It [the inverse curl] is very cool for heavy guys,” Björnsson said. “It is a killer for the hamstrings. The more weight you put on, the easier it gets. I think it was made for big guys, because big guys have a hard time doing this specific movement.”

Seal Row, Hip-Quad Machine, Hack Squat

To finish his tour, Björnsson introduced the seal row, equipment with athletes performing a strict barbell row variation. The difference is that athletes lay face down on the seal row bench to perform the row, taking the legs and lower back out of the equation. The hip-quad machine effectively isolates the thigh muscles, and a hack squat demands a lot more from the quads than a barbell squat due to the machine’s positioning, while also providing upper body support which reduces lower back fatigue.

Per a July 2023 Instagram post, Björnsson is well on his way toward complete recovery after his pec injury. The athlete clarified he was starting to regain a “full range of motion” and was “feeling better” by the week. Perhaps, when healthy in due time, he’ll start using his new equipment all around in earnest.

Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram

The post Hafthor Björnsson Reveals Gym Expansion — $116,000 Worth of Machines and Equipment appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

In a YouTube video posted to his channel on Apr. 17, 2023, the Icelander stated that he tore his pec muscle.

Björnsson did not beat around the bush with his injury. He characterized it as a “complete tear off the bone,” which would require eventual surgery if confirmed, though it’s unclear if that was the official medical diagnosis. The athlete said he would undergo an MRI test on Apr. 18, 2023, which will give more clarity on the severity of his injury and reveal any potential next steps he needs to take in his recovery.

In what might be considered vintage Björnsson fashion, he proceeded to make light of his circumstances as a strongman and powerlifter. He even joked about his current relatively limited capabilities in the aftermath of his pec injury.

“I am doing okay, considering everything,” Björnsson clarified. “I came into the gym today [Apr. 17, 2023]. Did a half an hour of cardio, just to keep my sanity and get out of the house. Things are tough, I have to be honest. Hopefully I can make some of you guys laugh now. Things like wiping my [expletive] are difficult. I am left-handed … It’s life … This is literally the biggest injury of my career, so I’ve got to tackle this.”

Björnsson had been planning to break Daniel Bell’s raw (with wraps) all-time World Record total of 1,182.5 kilograms (2,606.9 pounds) from the 2021 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Hybrid Showdown III. The athlete had even shared training tidbits like a raw 420-kilogram (925.9-pound) back squat on his road back to top strength form after a foray into boxing. Earlier in the meet, before the injury occurred, Björnsson successfully squatted 445 kilograms (981 pounds) with wraps. Björnsson, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion, had previously announced plans to return to professional strongman sometime in 2024.

It is unclear how Björnsson’s pec injury will impact his timeline toward both his ambitious powerlifting and strongman goals. Presumably, if surgery is indeed necessary for his pec muscle’s recovery, the athlete will be sidelined for some time before eventually getting back in the saddle toward the powerlifting World Record and his strongman pursuits.

By the time he comes back to full-throttle training, one of the world’s most powerful athletes might channel this setback as motivation.

Featured image: Hafthor Bjornsson / YouTube

The post Hafthor Björnsson Says His Pec Injury Will Likely Require Surgery appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Apr. 3, 2023, Björnsson shared a video of himself capturing a 420-kilogram (925.9-pound) raw back squat during a training session. The athlete wore a lifting belt and knee wraps to help demonstrate how much of his incredible leg power had already returned with diligent efforts.

Prior to this squat, Björnsson placed a hard cap on what he would attempt with a loaded barbell on his shoulders. By Apr. 15, 2023, the athlete plans to squat 440 kilograms (970 pounds), matching his all-time best squat performance from the 2018 WRPF-Iceland Thor’s Powerlifting Challenge which he attained just months after his WSM victory. As clips on his Instagram profile show, the athlete has been steadily building toward this one-rep max.

His ascent back to form has taken a quality, gradual trajectory.

For example, roughly three months ago, Björnsson was powering through a 225-kilogram (496-pound) raw squat for five reps. Then, two months ago, Björnsson filmed himself capturing a 260-kilogram (573.2-pound) raw squat for three reps. About five weeks ago, Björnsson notched a 350-kilogram (771.6-pound) raw squat. Finally, a week before this latest achievement, Björnsson squatted 380 kilograms (837.7 pounds) raw.

This means that, over the course of approximately three months, Björnsson added 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds) to his squat training weight. To be fair, he likely retained much of his strength despite stepping away from a lifting gym focus for a little while and has benefitted from “muscle memory,” shaking the rust from his squat mechanics.

It’s still impressive to nearly double what he started with from the beginning of a new training program. Notable, too, is the athlete’s recently reported body weight of 177 kilograms (390 pounds), which is 20.4 kilograms (45 pounds) lighter than his 2018 squat performance.

Should Björnsson reach his 440-kilogram (970-pound) goal by mid-April 2023, there will likely be little doubt “The Mountain” will have made his formal return to the strength sports’ fray.

Beyond his massive squat, Björnsson has made his coming intentions quite clear. In the +140-kilogram weight class, the versatile athlete plans to break Daniel Bell’s raw (with wraps) World Record total of 1,182.5 kilograms (2,606.9 pounds) from the 2021 WRPF Hybrid Showdown III. Björnsson recently deadlifted 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds) raw alongside Bell at the 2023 Arnold Sports Festival (ASF).

After that, in 2024, Björnsson will finally return to competitive strongman for the first time since 2020. Based on the living legend’s precedent, even that comeback will likely feature some measure of fireworks.

Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram

The post Hafthor Björnsson Squats 420 Kilograms (925.9 Pounds) Raw, Continues Powerful Return to Strongman appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Mar. 4, 2023, Björnsson completed a 395-kilogram (870.8-pound) raw deadlift from a conventional stance with a mixed grip. Later on, in a friendly deadlift battle, Bell would match Björnsson, also pulling 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds) raw with a mixed grip from a narrow stance. Both athletes only utilized a lifting belt to assist with their feats.

Björnsson deadlifting this much weight this fast is impressive, considering his recent journey.

Over the last year or so, the former 2018 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) had been pursuing boxing, among different sports endeavors. He had lost much of his strongman-built body weight and seemed primed for the long-term athletic commitment. However, in October 2022, Björnsson changed gears and revealed he would soon be returning to both strongman and powerlifting. The athlete would notch a 970-kilogram (2,138.5-pound) total in the latter, appearing at the 2022 Thor’s Christmas Powerlifting Meet.

Now, it looks like the all-time deadlift World Record holder (501 kilograms/1,104.5 pounds) is returning to his strength roots.

Meanwhile, in Bell’s case, he’s fully in line with his own past remarkable precedent.

According to Open Powerlifting, Bell is the 120-plus-kilogram raw total World Record holder (1,127.5 kilograms/2,485.7 pounds). The athlete achieved that mark at the 2020 Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) Sarasota Showdown. This relatively easy deadlift is also just 17.8 kilograms (39.4 pounds) off his all-time raw competition best from the 2022 American Powerlifting Federation (APF) Showdown at the Storm (412.5 kilograms/909.4 pounds).

As a powerlifting competitor, Bell has not lost a contest since August 2019 and has won on 13 consecutive occasions.

With his strongman return in full swing, Björnsson has publicly stated he’d like to deadlift at least 439.4 kilograms (970 pounds) by mid-April 2023. He’s well on his way toward that lofty ambition. From Bell’s perspective, with his name at the top of the record books, he could seek to extend his record achievements soon. Like the strongman icon, Bell’s goals seem to be going according to plan.

Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram

The post Hafthor Björnsson, Daniel Bell Deadlift 395 Kilograms (870.8 Pounds) Raw at Arnold Sports Festival appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

After a brief recollection of his past career achievements in strongman and boxing, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man revealed that he will first return to powerlifting. His sights are set on breaking the all-time world record total, currently held by Dan Bell with 1,182.5 kilograms (2,606.9 pounds). Bell set that mark, in wraps, at the 2021 WRPF Hybrid Showdown III meet. Bjornsson has given himself a deadline to break that record by the end of 2023, but did not mention competing in any specific meet.

Bjornsson’s last meet was in December 2022, where he competed in wraps at his own “Thor’s Powerlifting Meet.” His numbers from that event are as follows:

• Squat — 380 kilograms (837.7 pounds)
• Bench Press — 210 kilograms (463 pounds)
• Deadlift — 380 kilograms (837.7 pounds)
• Total — 970 kilograms (2,138.5 pounds)

If he were to break Bell’s record, then he would have to make up serious ground. Bell’s performance from the 2021 meet where he set the current world record is below:

• Squat — 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds)
• Bench Press — 272.5 kilograms (600.7 pounds) 
• Deadlift — 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds)
• Total — 1,182.5 kilograms (2,606.9 pounds)

Making up the 212.5-kilogram (468.4-pound) difference will be a tall order, but the 6’9” strength legend is confident he can do it.

Bjornsson then announced that his “major, major goal” is a return to his original sport of strongman. Specifically, he intends to compete at the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic held in March in Columbus, Ohio. Bjornsson also plans to compete at the 2024 Strongman Rogue Invitational event. The Rogue event hasn’t been scheduled as of this writing, but has been held in Round Rock, Texas, in October for the past two years.

Bjornsson said that if he reaches his powerlifting goal, then he’s confident that he will have sufficient strength to start training for the strongman events.

Bjornsson’s next strength-based honor will be his induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame. That event will be held during the 2023 Arnold Sports Festival on Saturday, March 4 in Columbus, OH.

The legendary competitor is already a three-time Arnold Strongman Classic winner, having won the title in 2018, 2019, and 2020. He had yet to compete in the Rogue Invitational as a full competitor, but he did step onto their field in 2022 to break his own weight-over-bar world record. 

Bjornsson is the only man to have won the World’s Strongest Man, Arnold Strongman Classic, and the World’s Ultimate Strongman contest. Adding the Rogue Invitational to his trophy case would play a big part in a claim as the most accomplished strongman of all time.

Featured Image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram 

The post Hafthor Bjornsson Announces End to Retirement, Will Compete in Powerlifting and Strongman appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Jan. 31, 2023, it was revealed that Björnsson would be a part of the International Sports Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Class of 2023. Björnsson will enter the ISHOF alongside fellow luminaries like two-time judo Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016) Kayla Harrison and four-time Super Bowl champion (1981, 1984, 1988-1989) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. Dr. Robert Goldman initially created the ISHOF in 2012.

Björnsson is the third professional strongman to be recognized by the ISHOF.

Mark Henry, the inaugural 2002 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) winner and a former WWE World Heavyweight champion, was inducted into the ISHOF as a part of the first class in 2012. Three-time WSM champion (1980-1982) Bill Kazmaier would join Henry in 2017. Now Björnsson can count himself among their exclusive company.

Here is an overview of the full 2023 ISHOF class:

2023 International Sports Hall of Fame Class

• Hafthor Björnsson: 2018 WSM champion, ASC champion (2018-2020), Iceland’s Strongest Man (2011-2020)
• Ronnie Lott: Pro Football Hall of Famer, four-time Super Bowl champion (1981, 1984, 1988-1989)
• Kayla Harrison: Two-time Olympic judo gold medalist (2012, 2016)
• Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Six-time Olympic track and field medalist (spread between 1984 and 1996, including three gold medals)
• Richard Sorin: Founder of Sorinex Exercise Equipment, grip strength icon

In addition to Björnsson’s sterling competitive record — which also includes noteworthy achievements such as five Europe’s Strongest Man titles (2014-2015, 2017-2019) and three WSM runner-up finishes (2014, 2016-2017) — he possesses an assortment of strength records.

The most recognizable might be Björnsson’s 501-kilogram (1,104.5 pounds) World Record deadlift from the 2020 World’s Ultimate Strongman “Feats of Strength” series. Another is the Weight Over Bar World Record from the 2022 Strongman Rogue Invitational. The athlete threw a 25.4-kilogram (56-pound) weight over a 20-foot, three-inch high bar to extend his own previous record mark.

In terms of recent athletic exploits outside of a strongman context, Björnsson defeated former strongman rival and 2017 WSM winner Eddie Hall in a March 2022 boxing match. In a December 2022 return to professional powerlifting at the 2022 Thor’s Christmas Powerlifting Meet, the athlete attained a 970-kilogram (2,138.5-pound) total in the 140-kilogram-plus weight class.

Björnsson’s ISHOF honor might be even more noteworthy, considering he likely isn’t done as a strongman or powerlifting competitor. In October 2022, the Icelander alluded to a potential future where he’s moonlighting as both an elite strongman and powerlifter while continuing to pursue new World Records. In this case, the 34-year-old’s Hall of Fame honor and resume could only shine brighter in the coming years.

Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram

The post Strongman Legend Hafthor Björnsson Receives International Sports Hall of Fame Induction appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

A June 2022 soccer charity appearance where Stoltman helped raise $18.8 million was one of his final major public appearances. While he didn’t compete, Stoltman still trained hard to build his strength. On Dec. 4, 2022, in a video on his YouTube channel, Stoltman revealed he intends to break the all-time deadlift World Record.

The current heaviest-ever deadlift of 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds) belongs to 2018 WSM winner Hafthor Björnsson. Stoltman calls his deadlift preparation the “Road to 505” series in reference to his eventual 505-kilogram (1,113.3-pound) World Record attempt. Check out the video below:

This first “Road to 505” video featured Stoltman working toward an eventual beltless 300-kilogram (661.4-pound) deadlift for four reps. After warming up, Stoltman began with five sets of 250-kilogram (551.2-pound) deadlift triples with lifting straps and no belt. Stoltman’s older brother Luke — the 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) — and their novice strongman younger brother, Harry, got some sets of their own in while Tom rested.

The middle Stoltman brother was fighting through a cold during the session, and his fatigue was evident after his respective sets. Tom didn’t let his affliction slow him down, as he successfully completed all 15 beltless reps of the 250-kilogram (551.2-pound) deadlift over his five sets.

Tom Stoltman will make his World Record deadlift attempt sometime in 2024, though he did not provide specifics as to when or where that attempt will occur.

By the time Stoltman attempts 505 kilograms (1,113.3 pounds), that figure might not be the deadlift record anymore.

After deadlifting his all-time competition best of 483 kilograms (1,064.3 pounds) at the 2022 Eisenhart Black Competition (EBC), fellow strongman Ivan Makarov revealed he would attempt the World Record. Makarov’s personal timeline is for his own 505-kilogram record attempt at the 2023 World Deadlift Championships (WDC), currently scheduled for some time in early September 2023. That means Makarov — the 2021 WDC champion — could potentially set a new deadlift high mark roughly four months, at minimum, before Stoltman attempts it for himself.

Stoltman and Makarov might find themselves in a tense race to alter the record books.

Featured image: Stoltman Brothers on YouTube

The post Tom Stoltman Plans to Deadlift 505 Kilograms (1,113.3 Pounds) in 2024 appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Dec. 3, 2022, Björnsson captured first place in the 140-kilogram-plus weight class at the 2022 Thor’s Christmas Powerlifting Meet. At the time of this writing, it is unclear if the competition was under the jurisdiction of a formal powerlifting organized body, though the event was held with dozens of athletes lifting in front of judges adhering to strict powerlifting standards. The contest took place at Björnsson’s home facility, Thor’s Power Gym, in Kópavogur, Iceland.

Björnsson didn’t have his eyes on notching any powerlifting records in his weight class, but he had ambitions of amassing at least a 1,000-kilogram (2,204.6-pound) total. The athlete fell short of that goal at 970 kilograms (2,138.5 pounds). He came close, nearly completing a 400-kilogram (881.8-pound) squat that could’ve helped his case, but he was unable to achieve lockout.

The all-time deadlift World Record holder (501 kilograms/1,104.5 pounds) also couldn’t reach knee-level with a final attempt of 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) to seal the deal. With his last powerlifting meet occurring in December 2018, Björnsson is likely more accustomed to using a deadlift suit and lifting straps in a strongman context, but didn’t have that setup here — using just a lifting belt for his pulls.

Per a video of the full competition on his YouTube channel, Björnsson came down with an undisclosed illness just days before the contest, purportedly losing five kilograms (11 pounds) of body weight in a short timeframe. That situation likely may also have played a part in his strength and power not being where he wanted it to be. Nonetheless, he still took home a victory.

In addition to his belt-only deadlift, Björnsson completed his back squat with wrist wraps and knee wraps, as well as a belt, and had wrist wraps and a belt adorned for his bench press. Here’s an overview of the top stats from the powerlifter/strongman’s performance:

Hafthor Björnsson | 2022 Thor’s Christmas Powerlifting Meet

• Squat (w/Wraps) — 380 kilograms (837.7 pounds)
• Bench Press — 210 kilograms (463 pounds)
• Deadlift — 380 kilograms (837.7 pounds)
• Total — 970 kilograms (2,138.5 pounds)

Björnsson’s immediate plans for the future are unclear at this time. While he may dabble and keep his training up through the rest of the 2022 calendar year, it seems fair to assume he will otherwise not compete again until 2023. By that time, there may be more clarity on when this usual strongman will be back to doing things like pressing logs and carrying car frames again.

Featured image: @gpa_ipo_ipl on Instagram

The post Hafthor Björnsson Wins Powerlifting Return, Achieves 970-Kilogram (2,138.5-Pound) Total appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Nov. 25, 2022, Björnsson shared an Instagram clip of himself completing a 195-kilogram (429.9-pound) paused bench press with wraps during a training session. Björnsson seems to make the feat look rather easy on a lift that would be considered massive for many athletes. Knowing that, it might be indicative of a flourish soon to come for the strongman/powerlifter, especially if he’s to match his previous best powerlifting performance — a 250-kilogram (551.1-pound) bench press during the 2018 WRPF-Iceland contest.

With his return to powerlifting only an approximate week away from the time of the clip, Björnsson offered a little more context in what was apparently one of his last hard workouts pre-competition. In fact, it’s almost as if he deliberately made it more challenging for himself and his body.

“Four hours of sleep … no breakfast … some would call that fasting,” Björnsson wrote. “No music and training at 3 a.m.”

That said, while Björnsson seemingly pulled out all the stops to make this session harder, he likely knows when to pull back the reins. If he’s going to reach his stated goal of a 1,000-kilogram (2,204.2-pound) powerlifting total, every minute of quality rest could factor in.

“… My last heavy session before Dec. 3,” Björnsson continued. “Happy with the prep, and now I gotta get some proper rest in and a few light workouts before I smash my goal of a 1000-kilogram total.”

At the time of this writing, it remains unclear what powerlifting contest Björnsson will compete in on Dec. 3, 2022. However, it appears the athlete is more than open to sharing his competitive exploits with any willing spectators. Anyone who wants to see Björnsson feature as a powerlifter again can watch a live stream on his respective Twitch and YouTube channels.

Given Björnsson’s platform as one of the bigger names in the overall strength sports sphere, it’s fair to assume many will tune in to see him potentially notch that fateful 1,000-kilogram (2,204.2-pound) total.

Once he’s finished dipping his toes back into the powerlifting waters, Björnsson likely won’t rest for long. In mid-October 2022, the athlete revealed he would be working on his full-time return to strongman. Not that that sort of commitment is necessarily surprising. For a man with a reputation of titanic power, it might be full steam ahead in the coming months.

Featured image: thorbjornsson on Instagram

The post Hafthor Björnsson Crushes a 195-Kilogram (429.9-Pound) Paused Bench Press as Powerlifting Return Looms appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Nov. 10, 2022, Björnsson shared an Instagram clip of himself completing a raw 360-kilogram (793.6-pound) deadlift for two reps during a training session. The strongman/powerlifter completed the deadlift from a conventional stance, wore just a lifting belt, and was in his socks.

For Björnsson, the pull itself might not be noteworthy compared to his past high standards. After all, at face value, the Icelandic athlete holds the all-time deadlift World Record of 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds) from the 2020 World’s Ultimate Strongman “Feats of Strength” series.

However, that record pull came while equipped in a strongman setting, while this recent training was raw. Perhaps more importantly, after dedicating himself to slimming down for his boxing career for a few years, Björnsson weighs approximately 100 pounds less than his 205-kilogram (451.9-pound) peak strongman body weight. In context, these notes could make his 793-pound deadlift double more impressive — considering the set-up might be a little out of his usual comfort zone and that he’s carrying a lot less mass overall.

The last time Björnsson featured in a formal powerlifting competition was a first-place performance at the 2018 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Thor’s Powerlifting Challenge. He competed in the 140-kilogram-plus division while wearing wraps. Overall, Björnsson has four first-place wins in five career powerlifting contests, with his lone non-first-place finish being a second-place result. It’s unclear which weight class Björnsson will fit when he participates in his early December 2022 powerlifting return, but he will do so raw.

Here’s an overview of Björnsson’s all-time raw competition bests:

*Hafthor Björnsson | All-Time Raw Competition Powerlifting Bests

• *Squat — No raw attempt
• Bench Press — 250 kilograms (551.1 pounds)
• Deadlift — 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds)
• *Total — 506 kilograms (1,113.3 pounds)

*Note: According to Open Powerlifting, Björnsson has never recorded a raw squat during an official powerlifting contest. In addition, Björnsson has never competed in a three-lift raw powerlifting meet. This total includes only a bench press and deadlift.

When it comes to the lifting exploits of an icon like Björnsson, it’s probably understandable if more eyes and ears will focus on the athlete. With the spotlight starting to shine on his trademark power and athleticism again, the strength sports world will find out whether Björnsson can thrive once more in the coming weeks.

Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram

The post Hafthor Björnsson Deadlifts 793 Pounds for 2 Reps as He Preps Powerlifting Return appeared first on Breaking Muscle.