Hafthor Björnsson, also known as The Mountain from the popular series “Game of Thrones,” has officially announced his full comeback to powerlifting. The Icelandic strongman has made a name for himself in the world of strength sports and has now set his sights on breaking the All-Time World Record Total in powerlifting. This is no small feat, as the record which Hafthor has set his sights on is currently in possession of Dan Bell, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest powerlifters of all time.
Hafthor Björnsson’s journey in powerlifting began in his younger years, which resulted in his transition to Strongman. He quickly fell in love with the discipline and soon became one of the most prominent strongmen in Iceland. He went on to win multiple national titles and even broke several Icelandic records. However, his breakthrough moment came in 2018 when he won the World’s Strongest Man competition. This victory established him as a dominant force in the strength sports world and made him a household name. However, Hafthor decided to retire from Strongman and strength sports in 2020 after setting a 501-kilogram (1,104.5-pound) All-Time Deadlift World Record.
Seeing that Hafthor Björnsson broke the deadlift record of Eddie Hall, it sparked outrage with his British rival and resulted in a boxing match. Björnsson ended up taking the win on a unanimous decision and retired from the sport of boxing a few months later. He did so in order to return to powerlifting, which saw him take part in one competition, coming just short of a 1,000-kilogram total. However, he is now determined to push his numbers to the extremes and make history once again.
Related: Hafthor Björnsson Inducted into The International Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023
Hafthor Björnsson’s World Record Goal
Hafthor Björnsson posted a YouTube video with a captivating title on February 13th, hinting towards a comeback of somesorts. While many hoped he would be coming back to Strongman, Hafthor revealed that the sport in question was powerlifting.
“Yes it is correct. I am coming out of retirement… I had to talk to my coach, my wife, my mentors, and get their opinion on my goal… I love training and I want to build my legacy in the strength world. So, my decision is to come back into powerlifting.”
Hafthor Björnsson revealed that he wants to produce some magical moments in powerlifting, making him one of the greatest to ever do it. Specifically, Hafthor wants to break the All-Time World Record Total of 1,182.5 kilograms (2,606.9 pounds) which Dan Bell set at the 2021 WRPF Hybrid Showdown III. Bjornsson referred to it as a “Raw World Record”, but the division is in fact officially called Raw With Wraps, since knee wraps are allowed in the squat event. In addition, Bjornsson gave himself until the end of the year to achieve this incredible feat of strength.
“I want to break the All-Time Raw Powerlifting World Record. For those who don’t know, powerlifting is squat, bench, and deadlift, three lifts. I want to break the total.”
Many fans wondered why Hafthor Björnsson decided to retire from boxing after he beat Eddie Hall. Bjornsson revealed all the details involved in making that decision, including his passion for strength sports.
“I won my big fight against Eddie Hall, but at the same time, I never really fell in love with the sport. I competed for two years, I worked my a** off, but I didn’t feel the same passion for boxing as I did for Strongman… In boxing, every single day felt like work, felt like torture.”
Judging by this, it’s clear to see that Strongman is what Hafthor Björnsson loves the most and those who wanted to see him compete again won’t have to wait much longer, as it turns out that powerlifting will serve as a stepping stone for his comeback. According to him, his Strongman comeback will be in 2024, with some big plans already laid out.
“Powerlifting, why not Strongman?… After I break the All-Time Powerlifting World Record, I want to go back to Strongman and give my absolute best there again. I want to compete at the Arnold Strongman Classic and Rogue Invitational. Those are the two shows that I have my eyes on and obviously I’m going there because I want to win those shows.”
Watch the video here:
Related: Hafthor Björnsson Deadlifts 380-kg (837.8-lb) Raw And Expresses Desire To Go On Joe Rogan’s Podcast
Hafthor Björnsson is trying to be as calculated as possible for his return to strength sports, as he wants to avoid injuries and remain in good health. So, a comeback to powerlifting, followed by another Strongman campaign seems like the right choice. Whatever the outcome of his return to powerlifting, it is certain to be exciting and unforgettable. The strength community is eagerly awaiting his performance and is looking forward to watching him compete once again.
Published: 13 February, 2023 | 3:17 PM EDT
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