When Hafþór ‘Thor’ Bjornsson Broke the Deadlift World Record

On a humid summer day in Bavaria, the weight of history rested firmly on Hafþór Björnsson’s broad shoulders. As the crowd roared in anticipation, he stepped forward, the air crackling with the tension of the moment. With steely focus, he gripped the barbell, adjusted his stance, and pulled. Only moments later, he had made history, deadlifting an astonishing 505kg (1,113lbs). This lift not only marked a new world record but also shifted the paradigm of strength sports, raising the bar—quite literally. In a realm where the “big three” lifts—the squat, bench press, and deadlift—rule supreme, record-breaking feats like Björnsson’s ignite passions among athletes and fans alike.

The Squat World Record

The current raw squat world record is a staggering 490kg (1,080lbs), achieved by Ray Williams at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, on March 2, 2019. Williams accomplished this feat without the advantage of specialized gear such as squat suits or knee wraps, showcasing an extraordinary level of raw power and technique. “Ray’s squat is a testament to not just strength but technique and determination,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a sports psychologist and strength coach. “He’s redefined what we thought was possible in the raw lifting category.”

The Bench Press World Record

The world of bench pressing saw its records shattered when Julius Maddox pressed 355kg (782.6lbs) without any supportive equipment aside from a belt and wrist wraps. This effort stands as the heaviest raw bench press ever recorded in competition. In a dazzling display of power, Jimmy Kolb raised the stakes even higher with a monumental 635.4kg (1,401lbs) bench at the 2023 IPA Tri-Star Bash, utilizing an equipped setup. “The line between strength and human potential is officially blurred,” remarked strength coach Antonio Moretti. “Their feats challenge the limits of human capability itself.”

The Deadlift World Record

Following Björnsson’s remarkable achievement on July 26, 2025, it became clear that records were meant to be broken. His lift of 505kg exceeded his previous best of 501kg, set in 2020, and officially surpassed Eddie Hall’s longstanding record of 500kg from 2016. This monumental moment not only cemented Björnsson’s legacy in the annals of strength sports but also captivated an audience worldwide, illuminating the extraordinary feats athletes can achieve. “Each record carries a piece of its holder’s story—perseverance, sacrifice, and unyielding resolve,” says Dr. Ravi Mehta, an exercise physiologist. “Björnsson’s lift is a crossroads of years of hard work and the relentless pursuit of greatness.”

How to Lift Heavier and Set PBs

• Factor in your individual starting point: Your results will depend on your bodyweight, current strength levels, and training history, so don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s world record.
• Prioritise learning proper technique: Confidence under the bar starts with knowing how to move effectively and efficiently. Master the fundamentals before chasing heavier weights.
• Set realistic but challenging goals: Aim for numbers that push you without being unattainable. Progress comes from steady, intentional effort.
• Follow a structured, progressive programme: Stick to a plan that gradually increases volume and/or intensity over time (progressive overload) to keep moving forward. Avoid programme hopping if you plateau for one week.
• Train at a challenging but sustainable intensity: Maxing out every session isn’t advisable. Research suggests that working to failure may not be the most effective method for increasing strength; instead, stop 3-5 reps short of failure.
• Be patient and consistent: Trust in the process and stick to the plan; personal bests will come. Consistency far outweighs short bursts of high intensity.

From local gyms to global competitions, the ethos of strength training continues to inspire a diverse group of athletes. New records spur on the ambition of untold lifters, motivating them to surpass their limits. While legends like Hafþór Björnsson, Ray Williams, Julius Maddox, and Jimmy Kolb have etched their names into the history of strength sports, they serve not just as record-holders but as beacons for aspiring strength athletes around the world. By meticulously following structured training regimens and remaining steadfast in their pursuit of personal bests, many are poised to redefine their own limits—perhaps even to someday rewrite the record books themselves.

Source: www.menshealth.com