Mitchell Hooper is moving some serious metal—or rather, gold. The 2x World's Strongest Man is known across the world for his superhuman strength. But now, he has hit another gear altogether.

The American strongman recently posted an Instagram reel, rowing the iconic Gold's Gym 330 lbs dumbbell. The caption read: "World's strongest man takes on iconic @goldsgym 330lbs DB 💪"

Known as one of the heaviest dumbbells in the world, the challenge is recognized as one of the strength sports' most difficult feats. The solid gold dumbbell is one of a kind, acting as the centerpiece of Golds Gym Venice in California.

In fact, now a popular tradition among powerlifting circles, the contest has humbled countless strongmen and bodybuilders. For Hooper, though, the weight looked featherlight in his hands.

Now, whether the 'Moose' took the help of lifting straps for the challenge was unclear from the video. However, some comments noted that the strap was only slightly visible from the angle.

Straps or not, there's no denying that the contest was an insane feat in itself. Most people can't even move the dumbbell, let alone row it for reps (2 to be exact). Yet, Hooper is not the only person to have tamed the beast.

Mitchell Hooper joins the elite strength club

Long before Hooper tried the challenge, strongman Martin Licis set one of the strongest records in the 330lbs rowing challenge. The 2019 World's Strongest Man secured 5 reps for single-arm rows, without lifting straps!

His attempt is posted on his YouTube channel and shows the weightlifting phenom using only chalk for the grip. To this day, Licis's attempt remains a benchmark for other challengers.

Bodybuilder Andrew Jacked also attempted the challenge, as documented by Generation Iron, getting in 6 reps but with lifting straps. Another strongman, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, posted another impressive 5-rep rowing record.

These athletes are some of the strongest in the world. Getting your name etched beside these beasts doesn't happen every day. Yet, Mitchell Hooper himself is a weightlifting phenom and a legend in his own right. Can he row the 330lbs dumbbell for more repetitions? Drop your thoughts below.

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for all things fitness!

Written by

Proma Chatterjee

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil