Hafthor Bjornsson is making progress with almost each new training session, as he shared a 440-kilogram (970-pound) Elephant Bar deadlift from his most recent workout. Although he has lifted more weight during his peak Strongman days, this deadlift marks a new high for his comeback preparation.
Hafthor Bjornsson’s return to Strongman is one of the most awaited moments in the sport this year. However, he is making sure to hype it up even more with some huge lifts, such as the 440-kilogram (970-pound) deadlift. Hafthor used an Elephant Barbell because a similar one will be used at the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic.
With the competition set to take place on March 1-3, in Columbus, Ohio, Hafthor Bjornsson is making sure to achieve perfect form on his deadlift. So, he has set his sights on the maximum points and an event win in the deadlift portion of the competition.
After multiple warm-up sets, Hafthor Bjornsson loaded 440 kilograms (970 pounds) on the Elephant Bar. He set up a conventional stance, locked his lifting belt, and got the lifting straps ready. Then, he started pulling, while the bar started bending. However, once the weight separated from the floor, Hafthor maintained a steady pace and locked out the deadlift.
Watch the lift here:
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Related: Hafthor Bjornsson Deadlifts 420-kg (925.9-lb) In Preparation for 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic
Hafthor Bjornsson’s Full Training Session
Hafthor Bjornsson came into the training session a bit nervous, as he did not know how his body would hold up due to some recent issues. Specifically, he dealt with a Baker’s Cyst, which forms on the backside of the knee. So, he did not perform any deadlifts for over a week.
“I’ve been dealing with some issues with my body, I got the Baker’s Cyst and that has been bothering me. I did not deadlift last week, so going into this deadlift session is almost a mystery.
I hear this often from great deadlifters that having a full rest week can actually benefit you hugely. But I never do that. I always deadlift every single week.
However, Hafthor seems to have recovered, judging by his massive deadlift. For reference, the Elephant Bar Deadlift was also featured in the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic, where the winning weight turned out to be 447 kilograms (985.5 pounds) by Bobby Thompson.
Moreover, Mitchell Hooper locked out 445 kilograms (981.1 pounds), making him the only other man to deadlift more than Hafthor Bjornsson’s recent training deadlift.
“It is 440-kg, it is a huge number. It is going to be a massive confidence booster for me going into the Arnolds knowing that I pulled 440 before. I know that should be a good way to pull at Arnolds, it should give good points at least.”
Hafthor Bjornsson revealed that his body needs time to adjust to Strongman again. So, he will just focus on doing well and not put too much pressure on himself at the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic. Hafthor has also previously stated that he will refrain from going all out on certain events since his main goal is to remain healthy and injury free.
After finishing up his deadlifts, Hafthor Bjornsson talked a bit about his expectations for the Arnold Strongman Classic, revealing what events should suit him and what his weaknesses are. Shortly after, he continued his training sessions by performing some Natural Stone to Shoulder lifts, Atlas Stones, and some grip work.
“Little bit less than six weeks out, and I believe I can peak very well for this competition and pull 460-kg (1,014.1-lb) if I need to. It is actually super close to my World Record (Elephant Bar) which is 474-kg (1,045-lb)… I know my grip strength is there; I know my deadlift power is there.
The only thing, if I am going to be super transparent, is maybe that my overhead pressing power is not there yet. I am hoping that it will be enough for me to get some points in the show.”
Watch the full video here:
Related: Hafthor Bjornsson Talks Strongman Comeback w/ Brian Shaw: “I Still Believe I Can Do A Lot Of Damage”
Hafthor Bjornsson is one of the greatest Strongman athletes that have ever competed, having won 3x Arnold Strongman Classics, the 2018 WSM, and a plethora of other shows. However, many people lacked faith that he could come back as strong as he was. However, Hafthor seems to be doing just that, as his numbers have been skyrocketing recently. So, it remains to be seen how he fares against the newer guys, such as Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman.
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