They are saying that for each man there’s a stronger man. Nevertheless, within the case of Hafthor Björnsson, you would need to look lengthy and exhausting as he holds the title of World’s Strongest Man. This Icelandic strongman gained followers primarily by taking part in the character of Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane within the Recreation of Thrones sequence. However not many individuals know that he was additionally knowledgeable basketball participant. On the peak of his fame is breaking a 1000-year-old energy file. As well as, he has many triumphs and strongman achievements behind him. Let’s check out his sports activities and appearing profession and private life, which is filled with fascinating issues.
Origin in a household of giants and a profession as a basketball participant
Hafthor Júlíus Björnsson was born on November 26, 1988 underneath the signal of Sagittarius. He was born and raised in Reykjavík, which can also be the capital of Iceland. He comes from a household of giants and apparently inherited his peak from his 203 cm tall father Bjorn.
As a toddler, he labored on the farms that his household owned. He has one sister, however not a lot is thought about his childhood and training. Nevertheless, his achievements in later life shine all of the extra. At the same time as a toddler, he was all the time taller than his friends.
This made him an superb candidate for a basketball participant. His mother and father signed him up for this sport when he was 12 years previous. It captivated him a lot that he devoted himself to it professionally. At a younger age, he represented the Icelandic junior crew, however his dream of an extra skilled profession was ended by an ankle harm.
At the moment, he underwent two surgical procedures and in 2008 he determined to give up basketball for good. It was there that his love for train and iron started to kind.
Injured ankles paved his technique to the world of strongmen, which he completely dominated
He skilled with heavy weights, which, as he claims, he actually fell in love with. He was capable of achieve weight fairly shortly and the outcomes had been seen right away. Exhausting work mixed along with his genetics paid off. This additionally drove him ahead and stored him motivated. The sensation of enchancment was so wonderful, he mentioned, that he couldn’t cease. In his native health club, he even met the well-known Icelandic strongman Magnús Ver Magnússon. He was impressed by Hafthor’s bodily situation and predicted that he might grow to be knowledgeable strongman. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than Hafthor started to use his energy competitively as properly.
Hafthor entered the world of the strongmen for the primary time in 2010 and defeated his opponents in a number of competitions. He managed to win 5 out of 6 OK Badur Strongman Championships occasions. He ended the 12 months 2010 with second place on the Jon Pall Sigmarsson Basic. Hafthor’s energy was unstoppable even a 12 months later, when he received the titles of Iceland’s Strongest Viking and Westfjords Viking. As well as, he additionally received the title of Iceland’s Strongest Man. He reigned over this competitors for an unimaginable 10 years, throughout which nobody might beat him. The unstoppable Hafthor has already conquered all targets in Iceland and it was time to point out his energy to the world.
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A strongman who pushed the boundaries and broke a 1000-year-old Viking file
He acquired a wild card, due to which he might participate within the World’s Strongest Man competitors, the place he needed to face different strongmen from everywhere in the globe. It was 2011 and his world debut finally resulted in sixth place. Since 2012, nonetheless, he has recurrently appeared within the high three strongmen. At the moment, it was clear to everybody that if there may be somebody within the strongman world who can push the boundaries, it’s Hafthor Julius Björnsson.
And that occurred in 2015, when this Icelandic strongman broke a 1000 years previous file. It was on the World’s Strongest Viking competitors that he walked 5 steps with a 10-metre log that weighed an unimaginable 650 kilograms. After his efficiency, he mentioned that he was totally ready to attain his fundamental objective, which was to grow to be the strongest man on the planet.
He fully dominated the world competitors in 2018 within the Philippines, the place he received an incredible first place. Since 1996, he was additionally the primary Icelander to take pleasure in this phenomenal success. Hafthor’s ambitions to win additionally prolonged to different competitions. Due to his resilience, he grew to become the primary man in historical past to win the Arnold Strongman Basic, Europe’s Strongest Man and the already talked about World’s Strongest Man competitions in the identical 12 months. He dominated the primary one thrice and the second 5 instances.
His private data embrace:
- 474 kg Elephant Bar Deadlift, Strongman Uncooked with Straps (world file at Arnold Strongman Basic 2019)
- 213 kg Log Press (Europe’s Strongest Man 2018)
- 451 kg Tire Deadlift (Arnold Strongman Basic 2014)
- 650 kg Log Carry, 5 steps (World’s Strongest Viking 2015)
- 7.15 m 15-kilogram Keg Toss (World’s Strongest Man 2016)
- 8 Kegs thrown into the air in 16.35 seconds (World’s Strongest Man 2014)
- 501 kg Deadlift (Thor’s Energy Gymnasium, Iceland)
- 460 kg Squat (Thor’s Powerlifting Problem 2018)
A strongman who was a boxer
The world of strongmen was getting too small for Hafthor, so he determined to enter the world of boxing. He made his first look within the ring on the starting of 2021, the place he confronted former European light-weight champion Steven Ward in an exhibition match. Ward deserves numerous respect on this case, as a result of the distinction between the 2 fighters was an unimaginable 60 kilograms. In response to his personal phrases, the skilled boxer was shocked by Björnsson’s dimension. The match didn’t have a transparent winner because it was simply an exhibition. Nevertheless, it was additionally a useful expertise for Hafthor earlier than future fights.
A kind of fights was actually a ‘Conflict of Giants’, as a result of he confronted one other big on this planet of strongmen – the Englishman Eddie Corridor. He’s his long-time rival, whom Hafthor accused of dishonest within the World’s Strongest Man competitors in 2017. Corridor then received by one level, which was a tough capsule to swallow for the Icelandic strongman. He then commented within the media that Corridor and one of many judges actually stole his victory and regarded the whole verdict to be twisted and improper. The duel Björnsson vs. Corridor, which is taken into account to be the hardest boxing match in historical past, was speculated to happen on September 18, 2021. Nevertheless, Eddie Corridor suffered an harm throughout coaching, which pressured the whole occasion to be postponed. Within the meantime, arm-wrestling champion Devon Laratt grew to become Corridor’s substitute. It was Thor’s first skilled match and he defeated his opponent early, within the first spherical, by TKO.
Duel Björnsson vs. Corridor lastly happened on March 19, 2022 in Dubai. It lasted full six rounds and Thor was declared the winner with a rating of 57-54 from all three judges.
Coaching and weight loss plan as a supply of large energy
You’ll certainly perceive that behind every thing that Hafthor Björnsson was capable of obtain wasn’t solely his bodily predispositions, but additionally correct coaching and high quality vitamin. Some sources state that he consumed as much as 10,000 energy a day. Thor posted his weight loss plan on Fb whereas he was getting ready for World’s Strongest Man 2016. He ended up ending second, however was solely two factors in need of the winner. A 12 months earlier than, he even had the privilege of sparring with UFC champion Conor McGregor, who managed the coaching with the large Thor with honour.
The strongman’s weight loss plan appeared like this:
- 6:50 a.m. – Morning cardio coaching + core (half-hour), BCAA, glutamine and a handful of almonds
- 7:30 a.m. – eight eggs, 200 g of oats, blueberries, strawberries and avocado
- 9:30 a.m. – 400 g of beef, 400 g of candy potatoes, fruit
- 11:50 a.m. – BCAA, glutamine
- 12:00 p.m. – 400 g of rooster, 400 g of potatoes, greens, fruit
- 2:00 p.m. – shake (150 g oats or candy potatoes, 2 bananas, 150 g rice groats, frozen blueberries, a handful of almonds, peanut butter, glutamine)
- 2:30 p.m. – strongman coaching, BCAA, glutamine, Vitargo Vitality
- 5:30 p.m. – 60 g of protein, 2 bananas
- 6:00 p.m. – 500 g of beef, potatoes, greens
- 8:30 p.m. – 500 g of salmon + 500 g of candy potatoes
- 10:30 p.m. – 50 g of casein, 6 eggs, avocado, 30 g of almonds, 50 g of peanut butter
He supplemented this weight loss plan with a loads of fluids, the place along with water he additionally drank juice to get much more energy. In the course of the evening, he used so as to add 50 g of casein or uncooked egg whites. Nevertheless, he drastically modified his standard weight loss plan after leaving the aggressive strongman atmosphere.
His new weight loss plan routine mirrored the truth that he was getting ready for his first boxing match. Initially of this journey, he weighed an unimaginable 205 kilograms. After altering his weight loss plan, supplemented by intensive coaching, Hafthor Björnsson misplaced a good 55 kg.
The boxer’s weight loss plan appeared like this:
- Breakfast – three eggs, 200 g of rooster, smoothie (150 g of yogurt, 100 g of berries, 40 g of oats)
- Boxing coaching (sparring with a coach, engaged on utilizing body weight and efficient balancing)
- Cardio HIIT on a bicycle – 30 seconds of simple pedalling, 20 seconds of reasonably intensive pedalling and 10 seconds of quick pedalling. He repeated all this 5 instances. Then he had 3 minutes of relaxation, after which he went once more for one more 5 rounds.
- Lunch – 220 g of beef tenderloin, 180 g of white rice, 100 g of greens
- Energy Coaching
- Put up-workout meal – 220 g rooster, 250 g potatoes, 100 g greens
- Dinner No. 1 – 200 g of salmon, 100 g of rice, 100 g of greens
- quarter-hour of infrared sauna + quarter-hour of cryotherapy
- Dinner No. 2 – 250 g Greek yogurt, 100 g bananas, 30 g almond butter, protein shake
He himself jokingly commented on this weight loss plan by saying that he really ate virtually nothing as a result of he was dropping pounds. His least favorite was the post-workout meal as a result of he’s not an enormous fan of rooster. Nevertheless, when consuming it, he retains in thoughts his objectives.
Admitting to utilizing steroids
Hafthor Björnsson is thought for being prepared to do something to win. Even taking steroids, which he confirmed in an interview in 2017. He justified his open admission by saying that if you wish to be one of the best, you’ll do every thing for it. Nevertheless, he didn’t need to remark additional on this subject and requested the moderator to skip related questions.
The annual World’s Strongest Man competitors, which Thor as soon as received and infrequently positioned within the high three, prohibits using performance-enhancing substances. Nevertheless, the extent or effectiveness of steroid testing on this case is unknown. So each strongman has to go the check with a damaging outcome. Hafthor claims that he has by no means failed assessments for banned substances.
Recreation of Thrones Star
Along with his profession as a well-known athlete, Hafthor additionally made a reputation for himself on TV screens. In 2013, he was solid within the fourth season of the profitable HBO present Recreation of Thrones. He launched himself because the knight Ser Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane, who was characterised by his cruelty, big sword and heartlessness. Björnsson performed this character for a number of consecutive sequence. He claims that his favorite character was Cersei Lannister.
He was approached for the present via a message on Fb. Having no appearing expertise, on the time he thought it was only a prank. He didn’t reply to the message, however fortunately the casting crew was persistent and so they referred to as him just a few days later. By mutual settlement, he attended the casting, the place he needed to learn just a few traces of the script. He then met the well-known stunt coordinator C.C. Smiff, who oversaw the sword battle sequences within the present.
He needed to show how good was his mobility. Plenty of equally sized guys have issues with their knees, they will’t bend and so they’re gradual. For the wants of the Recreation of Thrones sequence, The Mountain wanted to be giant, however he additionally needed to deal with sword fights skilfully. Smiff was actually impressed by Hafthor’s physique. The Icelandic strongman acquired the function just a few days later and commenced filming the fourth season. He’s most well-known for a battle scene through which his character gouges out the eyes of a rival named The Purple Viper along with his fingers.
His appearing profession modified his life, however he refuses different roles
This well-known episode was watched by greater than 7.1 million individuals, and Hafthor himself claims that this a lot consideration positively modified his life. He remembers the day it was broadcast properly, as a result of proper after, his social networks went loopy and he began getting big quantity of followers. He says his cellphone didn’t cease buzzing as a result of on the time his notifications on Instagram had been turned on. The ultimate episode of the present Recreation of Thrones was broadcast in Might 2019. Even after the top of the present, Hafthor Björnsson has greater than 3 million followers on Instagram.
If you happen to anticipated the GOT to launch his profitable appearing profession, put together to be upset. Thor doesn’t wish to journey and turns down most appearing alternatives. An exception was, for instance, a music video for an Icelandic pop star, which was speculated to be recorded in his health club. He justifies his lack of curiosity in showing on the display or in commercials by saying that he’s egocentric. He desires to focus totally on himself, his coaching, weight loss plan and sleep. Moreover, he provides that he could do commercials someday later, and if he ever quits his sports activities profession, he thinks that he would commit himself to appearing full-time. Nevertheless, he would love to star in motion movies specifically, the place he would put his big physique and agility to good use.
Disagreeable accusations of abuse from his ex-partner
Though Hafthor Bjornsson has tens of millions of followers, his popularity as a very good man is just not supported by the accusations of his ex-partner, with whom he has a daughter. Andrea Sif Jónsdóttir publicly accused him of home violence in The Reykjavík Grapevine journal. In response to her, Thor is meant to be very jealous. Even to the extent that he deleted all male contacts from her cellphone and Fb. Within the harrowing interview, she went a lot additional and talked about a trip throughout which she allegedly feared for her life. They lived on the twentieth ground of the resort and Hafthor was mentioned to have threatened to throw her off the balcony. Allegedly, he additionally pushed her and slapped her.
The scene between the couple was apparently heard by the encircling friends as properly. Nevertheless, Thor reportedly apologized to Andrea for his actions and promised by no means to do it once more. However in keeping with his ex-girlfriend, he didn’t preserve his promise. One evening he allegedly tripped her legs and pushed her down the steps in a nightclub. In consequence, she reportedly ended up within the emergency room and was decided to go away him. Nevertheless, she later discovered that she was pregnant, which made the entire state of affairs much more difficult. Nevertheless, the Recreation of Thrones star denies all these accusations. In a publish on the social community, Thor wrote that he has nothing to cover and thinks that his ex-partner is simply inquisitive about cash. As well as, he was shocked that the journalists had revealed the interview with Andrea, and he deliberate to sue the newspaper for defamation.
He acquired compelled by the allure of a petite waitress Kelsey, with whom he runs a health club
Hafthor has been married to his spouse Kelsey Henson since 2018. They met at a restaurant the place Kelsey labored as a waitress and Hafthor first met her whereas taking part in one of many strongman competitions. Kelsey acknowledged him instantly due to the Recreation of Thrones. From the second she apprehensively requested him for a photograph, their joint life chapter started to be written. They love one another regardless of their nice bodily variations. Tiny Kelsey is solely 157 cm tall. Hafthor himself is 206 cm tall and is roughly 100 kg heavier than his spouse.
When one of many followers on Instagram requested them how they will even kiss, contemplating their bodily variations, Kelsey responded fairly promptly. She replied that Hafthor bends and she or he tiptoes. Or if that fails, she merely tells him to select her up. The Mountain additionally launched his spouse to the world of health, which she fell in love with. The couple recurrently publishes posts from a health club on social networks. As well as, collectively they run a health club named Thor’s Energy Gymnasium.
In September 2020, the couple introduced the glad information of the delivery of a son. Hafthor was along with his spouse in the course of the delivery and he’s very happy with her for the way amazingly she dealt with the entire course of. Kelsey herself described giving delivery as essentially the most highly effective second of her life. As well as, the proud mom began an Instagram account on which she paperwork her motherhood and the childhood of Thor’s son. They stored the identify non-public for a while, however in November 2020 their child boy acquired baptised and acquired the identify Stormur Magni Hafþórsson.
Which of Thor’s aggressive achievements stood out to you essentially the most? Would you wish to see extra of him in exhibits and films? If you happen to appreciated the article, don’t hesitate and share it with your folks.
Sources:
[1] Hafthor Bjornsson – https://biographymask.com/hafthor-bjornsson/
[2] Every thing You Do not Know About The Mountain – https://www.looper.com/110519/everything-dont-know-mountain/
[3] Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson Biography – https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/hafr-jlus-bjrnsson-45998.php
[4] WSM Outcomes – https://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/outcomes/
[5] Hafthor Wins World’s Strongest Viking, Units Sights On World’s Strongest Man – https://strongmancl.com/hafthor-wins-worlds-strongest-viking-sets-sights-on-worlds-strongest-man/
[6] Hafthor Bjornsson Deadlifts A 474kg Elephant Bar World Report (Carefully Misses 501kg) – https://barbend.com/hafthor-bjornsson-474kg-elephant-bar/
[7] Watch The Mountain from Recreation of Thrones Deadlift Nearly 1,000 Kilos – https://www.gawker.com/watch-the-mountain-from-game-of-thrones-deadlift-almost-1586066070
[8] World’s Strongest Man 2014 – http://strongman.org/information/worlds-strongest-man-2014/
[9] Weightlifting: ‘The Mountain’ Bjornsson deadlifts 501 kg to set world file – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-weightlifting-deadlift-bjornsson/weightlifting-the-mountain-bjornsson-deadlifts-501-kg-to-set-world-record-idUSKBN22E0R1
[10] GAME OVER Recreation of Thrones star Hafthor Bjornsson proclaims boxing battle in opposition to professional Steven Ward – who’s 12 STONE lighter than him – https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/13380585/game-thrones-hafthor-bjornsson-boxing-ward/
[11] Eddie Corridor and Hafthor Björnsson’s Boxing Showdown Is on Maintain – https://www.menshealth.com/health/a37130616/eddie-hall-hafthor-bjornssons-boxing-fight-delayed/
