Hafthor Bjornsson demonstrates consistent progress, sharing a recent workout highlight — a 440-kilogram (970-pound) Elephant Bar deadlift. Despite surpassing this weight in his prime, this lift stands as a notable achievement in his current Strongman comeback.
Anticipation surrounds Bjornsson’s return to Strongman, with the 440-kilogram deadlift adding to the excitement. Choosing the Elephant Barbell for its resemblance to the Arnold Strongman Classic equipment intensifies the anticipation for the 2024 competition.
Scheduled for March 1-3 in Columbus, Ohio, the Arnold Strongman Classic looms large on Bjornsson’s agenda. He meticulously aims for flawless deadlift form, targeting maximum points and an event win during the competition.
In preparation, Bjornsson loaded 440 kilograms onto the Elephant Bar after thorough warm-up sets. With a conventional stance, secured lifting belt, and ready lifting straps, he executed a controlled pull, showcasing his strength as the bar slightly bent. Successfully separating the weight from the floor, Bjornsson maintained a steady pace, securing the deadlift with precision.
View the lift Below:
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Hafthor Bjornsson crushes 970lb Elephant Bar Deadlift
Entering the training session with apprehension, Hafthor Bjornsson faced uncertainty about how his body would respond, given recent challenges. He had been grappling with a Baker’s Cyst, a swelling on the backside of the knee, leading him to abstain from deadlifts for over a week.
“I’ve been dealing with some issues with my body, I got the Baker’s Cyst and that has been bothering me. I did not deadlift last week, so going into this deadlift session is almost a mystery.
I hear this often from great deadlifters that having a full rest week can actually benefit you hugely. But I never do that. I always deadlift every single week.
Hafthor appears to have made a significant recovery, evident in his impressive deadlift. It’s worth noting that the Elephant Bar Deadlift was part of the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic, with the winning weight set at 447 kilograms (985.5 pounds) by Bobby Thompson.
Additionally, Mitchell Hooper achieved a lockout with 445 kilograms (981.1 pounds), making him the only other individual to lift more than Hafthor Bjornsson’s recent training deadlift.
“It is 440-kg, it is a huge number. It is going to be a massive confidence booster for me going into the Arnolds knowing that I pulled 440 before. I know that should be a good way to pull at Arnolds, it should give good points at least.”
Hafthor Bjornsson acknowledged that his body requires time to readjust to Strongman competitions. As he prepares for the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic, his focus is on performing well without placing excessive pressure on himself. Hafthor is prioritizing health and injury prevention, choosing not to go all out on certain events.
Following his deadlift session, Hafthor shared insights into his expectations for the Arnold Strongman Classic. He discussed which events align with his strengths and highlighted areas he considers weaknesses. Subsequently, he continued his training routine, incorporating Natural Stone to Shoulder lifts, Atlas Stones, and grip exercises.
“Little bit less than six weeks out, and I believe I can peak very well for this competition and pull 460-kg (1,014.1-lb) if I need to. It is actually super close to my World Record (Elephant Bar) which is 474-kg (1,045-lb)… I know my grip strength is there; I know my deadlift power is there.
The only thing, if I am going to be super transparent, is maybe that my overhead pressing power is not there yet. I am hoping that it will be enough for me to get some points in the show.”
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Hafthor Bjornsson, a three-time Arnold Strongman Classic champion and the 2018 World’s Strongest Man, is considered one of the greatest Strongman athletes in history. Despite initial skepticism about his comeback, Hafthor’s recent impressive performance, with soaring numbers in his lifts, suggests he is regaining his former strength. The upcoming competitions will reveal how he stacks up against newer contenders like Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman.
Overview
Hafthor Bjornsson, known for Strongman feats, showcases progress with a 440kg Elephant Bar deadlift. As he prepares for the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic, his focused training and recovery from a knee issue build anticipation. The choice of the Elephant Barbell adds excitement to his journey, highlighting dedication to peak performance. The upcoming competition in Columbus, Ohio, promises a compelling showdown against emerging contenders, marking a significant phase in Bjornsson’s comeback.
Featured Image @thorBjornsson (Instagram & YouTube)
