- Nationality: Icelandic
- Height: 2.06m
- Weight: 205kg
An Icelandic powerhouse and Game of Thrones actor, Hafthor Bjornsson (also known as “The Mountain”) has laid claim to the past two national strongman competitions in his homeland. Although the favourite for any truck pulling event, he was often perceived as too weak in other events to challenge for the podium position at international competitions. Hafthor first proved his critics majorly wrong with an excellent performance at the World’s Strongest Man 2012, finishing in third place behind the Lithuanian duo Big Z and Lalas, and didn’t stop showing his awesome abilities there!
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Bjornsson is the first strongman to have won The Arnold Strongman Classic, Europe’s Strongest Man and The World’s Strongest man within the same year, 2018. To show how amazing this strongman really is, here is all the competitions that he won in 1st place:
- World’s Strongest Man (2018)
- The Arnold Strongman Classic (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Europe’s Strongest Man (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- Giants Live (2014, 2015, 2016)
- World’s Ultimate Strongman (2018)
- Strongman Champions League (2013, 2015)
- Jon Pall Sigmarsson Classic (2012)
- Iceland’s Strongest Man (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Strongest Man in Iceland (2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017)
- Iceland’s Strongest Viking (2010, 2011, 2012)
- Westfjord’s Viking (2010, 2011, 2012)
- OK Budar Strongman Championships (2010)
As you can see, winning 1st place within all of these strongman competitions over the years has made Bjornsson definitely one to watch!! Bjornsson set a world record in 2019 at the Arnold Strongman Classic in The Deadlift event, lifting an impressive 474Kg. Although his world record was beaten by Eddie Hall lifting 500Kg, he then went on to lift an astonishing 501Kg in 2020 which is the heaviest deadlift ever recorded to this date. We just need to see him lift this within a strongman event!
With his basketball roots, Bjornsson certainly meets the height requirements of modern strongman, standing at a monumental 2.06m (closing in on 7ft!). Although a knee injury led to the end of his basketball career, we certainly predicted these big things for this Icelandic warrior.
Most recent achievement: Hafthor Bjornsson’s most recent achievement is winning the Iceland’s Strongest Man competition along with The Arnold Strongman Classic competition only this year! Not only did he win these strongman competitions this year but also managed to complete a 501Kg deadlift within the same year makes this guy certainly the one to look out for!
Here is some footage of Bjornsson completeing this deadlift with an incredible weight of 501Kg! We are still waiting for this to be achieved within a strongman event, watch out 2021, here comes the absolute mountain Bjornsson!:
Hafthor Bjornsson Workout Program Insights
Hafthor Bjornsson’s immense size, strength, and dominance in strongman competitions have made him a true force to be reckoned with. If you’re seeking to gain insights from his training methods and incorporate them into your own workouts, here are some key aspects of Hafthor Bjornsson’s workout program.
- Strength and Power Training: Given Hafthor’s incredible size and strength, his training program focuses heavily on building raw power and strength. This includes intense sessions of heavy compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses. These exercises target multiple muscle groups and promote overall strength gains.
- Event-Specific Training: Strongman competitions require athletes to excel in a wide range of events. Hafthor Bjornsson’s training plan incorporates event-specific exercises to prepare for the unique challenges of each competition. This may involve practicing truck pulls, atlas stone lifts, yoke walks, log presses, and farmer’s walks to develop the necessary strength, technique, and endurance for these events.
- Conditioning and Cardiovascular Endurance: Strongman competitions demand not only strength but also cardiovascular endurance. Hafthor Bjornsson includes high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardiovascular exercises in his training routine. This can involve rowing, cycling, sled pushes, or battle ropes to improve overall conditioning and endurance.
- Grip Strength Training: Strongman events often require exceptional grip strength. Hafthor Bjornsson dedicates specific training time to strengthen his grip, incorporating exercises like heavy farmer’s walks, thick bar holds, and plate pinches. Training grip strength improves performance in events like deadlifts, farmer’s walks, and carrying heavy objects.
- Recovery and Nutrition: Proper recovery and nutrition play a vital role in Hafthor Bjornsson’s training program. Given the intensity of his workouts, sufficient rest and recovery periods are crucial for muscle repair and growth. Adequate nutrition, with a focus on high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, provides the fuel necessary to support muscle development and overall performance.
- Mental Focus and Determination: Strongman competitions not only require physical strength but also mental fortitude. Hafthor Bjornsson’s training program emphasizes mental focus, visualization, and a relentless determination to overcome challenges. Developing a strong mindset helps in pushing through training plateaus and performing at the highest level during competitions.
It’s important to note that Hafthor Bjornsson’s training program is designed for elite athletes with extensive experience in strength training and strongman events. It’s crucial to consult with a fitness professional or coach before attempting any new training regimen to ensure it aligns with your current fitness level and goals.
By incorporating insights from Hafthor Bjornsson’s workout program into your training routine, you can strive to enhance your strength, power, and overall performance. Embrace Hafthor’s relentless drive, dedication, and dominance, and watch yourself progress towards your strongman aspirations.