Game of Thrones actor Hafthor Bjornsson has set a new world record for weightlifting. The actor, who played super-sized The Mountain on HBO’s acclaimed fantasy series, recently deadlifted 501 kg (1,104 pounds) to set a new world record.
Bjornsson, who is 31, has been the World’s Strongest Man since 2018, so his list of strength achievements just keeps growing (like his muscles). You can watch a behind-the-scenes video below to hear from Bjornsson and his team about the accomplishment; the actual world record deadlift takes place at around 15:00 in the video, so skip to then if you just want to see the lift.
“I have no words. What an amazing day; one I will remember for the rest of my life,” Bjornsson said on Instagram. “I said I was coming for it and once I set my mind on something I’m a dog with a bone.”
Bjornsson thanked his family, friends, coaches, fans, sponsors, and even his “haters” for fuelling him to get stronger to achieve this world record.
Game of Thrones ended with Season 8 in 2019 to record viewership but mixed reviews. HBO is producing a prequel, but it’s still a long way off. Author George R.R. Martin, meanwhile, is still writing the latest book, The Winds of Winter.
