If you follow the sport of Strongman and/or Hafthor Bjornsson, then you probably knew he was on a mission to break the all-time deadlift world record and has been for a while now. Bjornsson currently holds the all-time Elephant bar deadlift world record (474 kg/1,045 lbs) which he achieved at the 2019 Arnold Strongman Classic.
“Hafthor Bjornsson set the all-time deadlift world record with 501kg as part of World’s Ultimate Strongman to become the first man to ever deadlift more than 500kg. The attempt was broadcast by ESPN and live-streamed on Rogue and Corepsorts.”
He then tried to break Eddie Hall’s all-time deadlift world record (500kg/1102lbs) at the same competition but could not complete the 501kg/1105lb lift.
But the 30-year-old Arnold Strongman Classic champion has clearly made massive improvements since then. Bjornsson set an unofficial Elephant bar world record (480kg/1058lbs) in February and then he smoked 470kgs/1036lbs last month live on Twitch which was his last heavy session before the big day.
The 2018 Worlds Strongest Man champion has explained several times that he was feeling more ready than ever to attempt the world record as part of World’s Ultimate Strongman. He certainly looked the part based on his recent training sessions. And despite all of the opposition from fellow competitors and others, due to him not competing the lift in an actual competition because of the current health crisis, he still showed up.
Watch the 501 kg deadlift record below:
Watch the full replay:
Related: Hafthor Bjornsson: Eddie Hall ‘Doesn’t Want Me To Take His Legacy Away’ With 501kg Deadlift (EXCLUSIVE) Bjornsson
So, working up to the 501kg deadlift, Hafthor Bjornsson essentially warmed up with 420kg/926lbs for the first attempt. Then he absolutely blew through 465kg/1025lbs for the second attempt. Then when it finally came to the 501kg deadlift attempt, Bjornsson absolutely nailed it!
The lift made history and now, he’s the new king of the deadlift. Many might still say he needs to do it in competition. But we think he’ll come back and prove once again that it’s an easy pull for him.
Now check out the other World’s Heaviest Deadlift performances of all time!
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