In a recent training session that shook the strength world, Hafthor Bjornsson pulled a massive 460-kilogram (1,014.1-pound) deadlift for two reps, marking a personal best and sending a clear message ahead of the upcoming World Deadlift Championships on September 6.
Just weeks after setting a new world record with a 505kg lift, Bjornsson is showing no signs of slowing down.
Now, all eyes are on Birmingham, England, where “The Mountain” will attempt to lift 510kg, a number no human has ever officially pulled from the floor.
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A Career-Best Lift in Prep for the Unthinkable
“Lifetime PB — 460kg for reps. 15 days out from 510kg WORLD RECORD!” Bjornsson shared on Instagram, capturing the historic lift that might be remembered as a crucial stepping stone in Strongman history.
In full deadlift gear — suit, belt, and lifting straps — the Icelandic powerhouse executed the lift with conventional stance, as Strongman rules prohibit sumo deadlifts. Using smelling salts for a final burst of intensity, he approached the bar, rolled it in tight, and ripped it off the ground with shocking speed.
The first rep exploded off the floor. The second was equally decisive — but something unexpected happened between the two.
“After the first rep, I was so shocked with how easy it came off the floor… I almost went into a blackout,” Hafthor explained in his training vlog.
“You lose sense of time. You do one rep and then almost forget the second — but you did it. It’s a strange feeling.”
Though clearly fatigued from a long and demanding prep, Bjornsson looked sharper than ever, and the lift appeared well within his limits — an ominous sign for anyone eyeing the same record.
No Perfect Prep — But No Excuses Either
Despite his dominance, Hafthor made it clear: this hasn’t been a smooth ride. Between contests, recovery from a historic 505kg pull, and obligations like The Iceman competition, his prep has been anything but linear.
“I haven’t had a perfect prep since the 505 pull… but I like challenges. That’s when I thrive.”
Throughout the vlog, he opened up about the mental and physical toll of training at the elite level — and how minor setbacks like a reopened leg wound from scraping the barbell could spiral into infections if ignored. One such lapse post-Arnold Classic led to a swollen leg and fever that required antibiotics.
“A small cut can turn into something serious if you don’t treat it well,” he said. “It’s annoying, but part of the grind.”
Even his weight — over 200kg despite eating less — has puzzled him. He joked it might just be the price of “gaining so much damn muscle.”
Experience, Coaching, and Trust Over Ego
What separates Bjornsson from many of his peers isn’t just brute force — it’s humility and self-awareness. Despite being among the strongest to ever live, he still records every set, critiques his form, and listens to his coaches.
“Even though I’m at the level where I’m at, I’m always trying to fine-tune things,” he explained. “The moment you think you’re the best and stop seeking advice is the moment you start to decline.”
He credits much of his success to long-time coach Sebastian Oreb and strength mentor Stefán Petersen, who’ve been part of his inner circle since the early days.
“You have to have people in your corner that you fully trust,” he said. “I’ve given them my trust for my whole career, and I believe that’s made all the difference.”
This mindset also feeds into his training philosophy — that wisdom can come from anyone, regardless of how much they lift.
“I hear people say they won’t take advice from someone not as strong as them — that’s nonsense. If I had that mindset, I wouldn’t take advice from anyone.”
Next Stop: 510kg and the Title
With just one light deadlift session left before show day — a “light” 400kg single — Bjornsson now turns his focus to refining strongman event skills like sandbag carries and power stairs.
“I’m 15 days out… and even though I’m beat up and fatigued, I believe in myself. I go to sleep every night believing I’ll get 510.”
More than just setting the deadlift record, Hafthor wants to win the entire 2025 Giants Live World Deadlift Championships.
And while that might seem like an impossible task after already pulling 505kg this year, Hafthor is embracing the grind.
“It’s going to be one hell of a feat to pull 510 after 505 — but that’s what I’m here for. To push what’s possible.”
Bigger Than a Record — A Comeback Story for the Ages
Hafthor’s journey hasn’t just been about setting numbers — it’s been about coming back stronger. After retiring from Strongman, pursuing boxing, and suffering a major pec tear, many doubted he’d return to the top.
But here he is.
Not only back — but possibly better than ever.
In a season filled with records, rivalries, and redemption, the September 6 showdown in Birmingham could be Hafthor’s most legendary moment yet.
