Hafthor Bjornsson, the world’s strongest man who turned into a bodybuilder - all you need to know
Strongman legend Hafthor Bjornsson is one of the most respected athletes in the strongman community. Having multiple records under his name, Bjornsson made his debut back in 2011 at the World’s Strongest Man where he secured the sixth position. Born on November 26, 1988, 35-year-old Hafthor Bjornsson started training back in 2008.
Hafthor won his first Strongman title in Iceland, becoming the ninth Icelander ever to win the title. Apart from strongman events, Bjornsson’s insane deadlift records never cease to amaze fans. Having lifted a whopping 1104 lbs, he currently holds the world record for the heaviest deadlift, leaving behind his on-stage rival Eddie Hall by just 2.2 lbs.
Hafthor Bjornsson’s adorable family
Standing tall at 6 foot 9 inches, Bjornsson married fitness icon and actress Kelsey Morgan Henson back in 2018. About to complete six years of their marriage soon, ‘Thor’ and his wife have two lovely kids. Hafthor Bjornsson’s eldest daughter was with his ex-girlfriend Thelma Steimann. After marrying Kelsey, the couple gave birth to Stormur in 2020.
While the couple were looking forward to their second child last year, unfortunately, the couple announced back in November 2023 that they lost their daughter at 21 and a half weeks.
Bjornsson’s Hollywood career
After establishing a name for himself in the realm of Strongman, Bjornsson decided to venture into the world of Hollywood. Making his debut in movies and television in August 2013 in the fourth season of Game of Thrones, Bjornsson was cast as Gregor 'The Mountain' Clegane. Years later, Hafthor also appeared in a Hollywood movie ‘Kickboxer Retaliation’ which was released on January 26, 2018.
Creating a world record multiple times previously, unfortunately, Hafthor Bjornsson suffered a horrific injury a while back.
Bjornsson’s painful pec tear
In a video from last year that was published on Matt Rhode Sports’ YouTube channel, Bjornsson could be seen attempting a heavy bench press. As soon as the bar touched his chest, there was a loud and evident snappy sound.
While the injury was extremely brutal, Hafthor Bjornsson updated his fans about his injury as well as the surgical procedure for the same.
During a video with Brian Shaw last year, Bjornsson revealed not being cautious and avoiding his body’s cues.
“I wasn’t recovering fully between sessions. That was probably my biggest mistake. Not listening to my body which is silly…I wasn’t able to recover like going into bench press workout,” Bjornsson stated (02:30).
Having fully recovered from the surgery, Bjornsson is currently preparing for the upcoming Shaw Classic 2024.