Hafthor Bjornsson &#038; His Coach React to Missed 515-kg (1,135.4-lb) Deadlift World Record Attempt: “That Was Really Disappo

The 2026 Enhanced Games delivered one of the most anticipated moments in strength sports when Hafthor Bjornsson attempted a 515-kg (1,135.4-pound) deadlift. However, despite months of preparation and two successful lifts earlier in the contest, Bjornsson fell just short of a new world record.

Although the Icelandic giant managed to pull the bar above knee height, he could not complete the lockout. As a result, his existing 510-kilogram (1,124.4-pound) deadlift world record remains intact.

Shortly after the event concluded in Las Vegas, Bjornsson uploaded a YouTube video featuring an immediate post-contest discussion with his longtime coach, Sebastian Oreb. Together, they analyzed the missed attempt and explored what may have prevented the historic lift.

Meanwhile, both men agreed that Bjornsson remains capable of breaking the record in the future, especially after coming so close to completing the lift.

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A post shared by Sebastian Oreb | Online Coach & Mentor for Personal Trainers (@australianstrengthcoach)

Hafthor Bjornsson & His Coach React to Missed 515-kg (1,135.4-lb) Deadlift World Record Attempt: “That Was Really Disappointing”

Immediately following the competition, Bjornsson shared a raw and emotional reaction backstage. After dedicating months of training to the goal, he admitted that the outcome left him deeply disappointed.

“Damn, that was really disappointing guys to be honest with you. Especially coming so close. I was so close. Came above the knees. Worked so hard for so long. Spent so much time and effort and energy and I really wanted this. But sometimes you come short. It is what it is. Nothing to do more now. I’m just going to figure out what’s next.”

Furthermore, Bjornsson reflected on the sacrifices required throughout the preparation process. Because of the amount of work invested, he described the result as a difficult setback.

“It’s been a fun journey. This was a fun journey, with fun training weeks leading up to this. It’s a hard pill to swallow when it comes this close and I fought so hard for so long. I trained so hard. I stayed so disciplined for so many weeks and months, and yeah, I mean, I really thought I had it in me, and I did. It’s just small details.”

After discussing the failed lift, Bjornsson turned his attention to what might have contributed to the outcome. Specifically, he noted that he entered the competition lighter than he had been during previous world-record performances.

Unlike prior preparations, Bjornsson followed an exceptionally strict nutrition plan with very few cheat meals. Consequently, he arrived at the Enhanced Games weighing approximately five kilograms less than during earlier record-breaking attempts.

“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.”

Additionally, Bjornsson acknowledged that multiple factors may have influenced the performance. However, he emphasized that he needs time to evaluate everything before making future decisions.

“So maybe it 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. I don’t know guys, it’s just so many questions about this now. I’m just going to go back home and figure out what’s next.”

Bjornsson Wants Another Opportunity

Despite the disappointment, Bjornsson made it clear that he has not ruled out another attempt at the deadlift world record. In fact, he openly expressed interest in returning to a future edition of the Enhanced Games.

“There is a potential of me doing this again at the enhanced games. I would love to get the opportunity again.”

Moreover, Bjornsson believes his strict dieting may have inadvertently worked against him. Looking back, he suggested that carrying more body weight could have made a meaningful difference.

“Like, I don’t know, I feel like I stayed 100% disciplined, maybe too disciplined to my nutrition. I was so disciplined with my nutrition. Stayed on it like 99.9% of the time.”

He then compared his body weight to previous world-record performances.

“Because I mean, I had broken the records like three times now around that weight, either heavier or like on the dot, around like 200 kg (440.9 lb). Now I’m like 5 kg (11 lb) off.”

Sebastian Oreb Says No Champion Has a Perfect Career

While Bjornsson focused on the immediate disappointment, Oreb offered a broader perspective. According to him, setbacks are a normal part of every elite athlete’s journey.

“Thor’s a professional and no professionals, none of the best in the world, have a perfect run. No one just linearly keeps on going forward, forward, forward.”

Furthermore, Oreb stressed that one failed attempt does not diminish what Bjornsson has accomplished throughout his career.

“But it doesn’t mean it’s over. I know Thor, we’ve already had a little bit of a discussion on some of the things that were different in this prep.”

Meanwhile, Oreb pointed directly to body weight as one of the most significant differences between this preparation and previous successful record attempts.

According to Oreb, Bjornsson’s lighter body weight stood out as a potential concern throughout the preparation phase. Historically, Thor’s biggest deadlifts have all occurred while weighing at least 200 kilograms.

“One of the biggest ones was he was at least 5 kg (11 lb) lighter. His body weight was under 200 kg (440.9 lb), which was always a little bit of a concern for me because he’s done it at 200 kg (440.9 lb) every time: 501, 505, and 510 kilograms.”

Oreb then highlighted the difference between previous world-record attempts and Thor’s weight at the Enhanced Games.

“He was always between 200 and 205 kg. So today, well, his weigh-in was 194 kg (427.7 lb).”

As a result, Oreb believes future preparations may require a more aggressive nutritional strategy.

“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.”

Gaining Weight Is a Full-Time Job for Thor

Although adding weight sounds simple in theory, Oreb explained that maintaining a body weight above 200 kilograms requires enormous effort from Bjornsson.

“There’s a lot of big eaters in Iceland, and there’s a lot of people that help him and sit with him and eat big with him, but it’s a full-time job to get those calories in.”

Moreover, Oreb acknowledged that carrying that amount of mass is not particularly comfortable for the Strongman legend.

“And it’s also, not that I know, but it’s a commitment for him to be weighing over 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds). I’m certain that he’s not comfortable at that body weight.”

Consequently, Bjornsson typically maintains those heavier body weights only for short periods before major competitions.

“Usually when he does it, he gets the 200 kg (440.9 lb) for a couple of weeks only.”

Oreb Still Believes the Record Will Fall

Despite the failed attempt, Oreb remained overwhelmingly positive about Bjornsson’s preparation and work ethic. In fact, he described the training cycle as nearly flawless.

“His prep was perfect. Everything was perfect. He’s dedicated. He’s the most dedicated, hardest-working guy that I know.”

Additionally, Oreb emphasized that he felt no disappointment toward Bjornsson because of the commitment required to pursue such an ambitious goal.

“I’m not disappointed with Hafthor, not one bit. The guy puts himself through a lot to perform for a crowd.”

Finally, Oreb expressed confidence that Bjornsson will eventually return and complete the historic lift.

“I know that there was talk of him coming back to enhanced games and I hope that it comes soon. Because I know that he’s going to be thinking about this 515, and he’s going to want it so bad. So, I know he can get it.”

Watch Hafthor Bjornsson Enhanced Games World Record Deadlift Attempt 515KG Below:

Hafthor Bjornsson’s Recent Deadlift Milestones

Year	Achievement
2020	Deadlifted 501 kg world record
2025	Set 510 kg deadlift world record
2026	Pulled 485 kg in training, his heaviest gym deadlift
2026	Failed 515 kg world record attempt at Enhanced Games
Future	Potential return for another world record attempt

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Overview

Ultimately, Hafthor Bjornsson’s failed 515-kilogram deadlift attempt left both the athlete and his team disappointed because the lift came remarkably close to success. Nevertheless, neither Bjornsson nor Sebastian Oreb believes the goal is out of reach. Instead, both pointed to relatively small details—particularly body weight—as factors that may have influenced the outcome. With Bjornsson getting the bar above his knees and completing what Oreb described as an excellent preparation cycle, the consensus remains clear: the 515-kilogram barrier still appears attainable if the Icelandic Strongman decides to pursue another world record attempt in the future.

Follow full coverage, breakdowns, and Strongman news at colosseumstrength.com

Featured Image – Hafthor Bjornsson & His Coach React to Missed 515-kg (1,135.4-lb) Deadlift World Record Attempt: “That Was Really Disappointing” – Credit: @mitchellhooper, @thorbjornsson, @enhanced_games (Instagram)