After months of dedicated training, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson nearly rewrote history by attempting a 515-kg deadlift on May 24 at the 2026 Enhanced Games. Despite massive efforts, the Icelandic strongman missed setting the world record by a hair after failing to reach lockout.

Soon after, Björnsson and his coach, Sebastian Oreb, openly discussed their disappointment in a YouTube video. In the video, they candidly discuss the event, giving raw, honest feedback on what might have gone wrong. However, his colossal attempt left viewers all around the globe stunned.

Björnsson reflects on the attempt, wondering if his body weight might have played a role in the failed attempt. His coach Oreb also resonated the same.

"Thor came in at 194kg bodyweight, definitely the lightest he’s ever been attempting a 500kg+ deadlift. Could that have played a role? Maybe," Oreb said.

During his previous shot at breaking the World Record of 501 kg, Björnsson weighed 200 kg. Presently, however, he weighs about 195 kg.

The Mountain said, “Maybe the fact I’m slightly lighter than usual. I am slightly lighter. My diet has been slightly more on point. What I mean by that is I haven’t been cheating much. I’m just eating really clean foods, and I’ve been really good at maintaining results.

"So maybe that has an impact on my body weight, but obviously, I’m only allowed to use FDA-approved substances. So maybe it’s the enhancement protocol I’m using.”

He also reflected on the fact that he might have stayed “too disciplined,” sticking to his strict diet plan about 99.9% of the time. He almost completely avoided cheat meals, something he had not previously done when he successfully created the 501 kg World Record.

His coach, Sebastian Oreb, shares the same concerns.

“Maybe that’s it. Nutrition perfect means no burgers, no ice cream, and no cakes. I think a little bit of that might help a little bit, you know, and I think next time that’s going to be the strategy.”

Are cheat meals the cheat code to lifting heavier?

For most people, cheat meals are something of a guilty pleasure. However, strength athletes can use cheat meals to their advantage, treating them like a secret weapon.

While it is not the actual cheat meal that enhances strength, the extra calories and carbs in cheat meals refill glycogen and boost recovery. Moreover, these quick, easy meals can often keep energy levels high during gruelling training sessions.

It is also quite common for strength athletes to bulk up prior to big competitions or heavy lifts. The fact that Björnsson almost entirely avoided cheat meals during his World Record prep might have played a role in him missing it by an inch.

Of course, it is important to remember that merely stuffing empty calories isn’t the way to get stronger or bulk up. Consistent nutrition, proper training, and good recovery are essential.

Whether Björnsson’s 100% dedication was the reason for his miss or not, we can’t be sure. However, his discipline helped him maintain explosive energy and conditioning, which is much more important than a little extra bulk.

Do you think Björnsson should bulk up more and attempt another World Record? Let us know!

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason