When the Mountain Hafthor Bjornsson says he can deadlift 550kg, everyone believes it.

"I am very convinced in my capability to pull more. I truly believe that I am capable of pulling, if I want to, if my desire really wants to, I can pull this record to like 550 (kg)."

A video clip shared by @beyondhestagetv_ on January 10 saw Strongman Hafthor Bjornsson casually claim to break the deadlift ceiling again and aims to break his current deadlift on standard bar record of 510kg (1,124lbs).

The clip was part of a TMZ Sports interview held on January 7th, where TMZ executive producer Michael Babcock asked the Icelandic giant about the recent announcement.

While his claim astonished Babcock, he calmed the situation by further stating that his plan was not for the upcoming Enhanced Games, which are to be held on May 24, 2026, in Las Vegas.

"I'm not saying that I will deadlift 550 (on)May 24th. I'm saying if I wanted to pull it to the absolute limits, I'm capable of that. But on May 24th, I'm going to be smart, and I'm going to think long term, and I most likely will only be going for 515."

The former Game of Thrones star explained that for him, achieving a feat like deadlifting 510kg is not reaching the ceiling; it's merely a new checkpoint. The actual limit is far away, but with desire, preparation, and long-term planning, it can be achieved.

Bjornsson's claim was met with a positive response from the fans. The video was flooded with many encouraging comments like "I believe him" and "He is capable". One user, @kourosh_tabassi, commented, "He did 510 so easily, so yes, I believe it also."

More from the TMZ Sports interview

To assure that his belief wasn't built on mere hype, Bjornsson reminded his fans when he broke his own deadlift record of 505kg just weeks later by lifting 510kg. And within the same timeline, won a Strongman competition.

Bjornsson set the 505kg deadlift record at the Eisenhart Black Competition in Bavaria on July 26, 2025, and the 510kg record at the Gaints Live World Deadlift Championship on September 6th, 2025.

He also talked about his excitement about the upcoming Enhanced Games. Although not participating in the event, he shared his support by commending the event for its transparency, fairness, athlete support, medical support, and generous compensation.

The interview also touched upon Bjornsson's diverse athletic pasts, from his basketball days to his glorious Strongman career, which includes 129 international victories.

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Joyita Das