Icelandic Strongman Hafthor Björnsson Prepares for 2024 Shaw Classic
In a highly anticipated comeback, 2018 World’s Strongest Man champion Hafthor Björnsson returned to competitive strongman in 2024, securing a fourth-place finish at the prestigious Arnold Strongman Classic. The Icelandic titan is now firmly focused on his preparation for the 2024 Strongest Man on Earth (SMoE), the headline event of the upcoming Shaw Classic in Loveland, Colorado, scheduled for August 16-18, 2024.
On July 25, 2024, Björnsson achieved a remarkable personal record in the Atlas Stone lift, hoisting a staggering 260 kilograms (573 pounds) with apparent ease. His training session included a warm-up followed by Atlas Stone supersets, Fingal’s Fingers, and Power Stairs exercises. While Björnsson expressed some dissatisfaction with his earlier 220-kilogram (485-pound) lifts, he acknowledged the need for increased training and hinted at a potential attempt to lift 280 kilograms (617 pounds) before the 2024 SMoE.
“I want to win the Shaw Classic,” Björnsson confidently stated. “I have a good shot. Good events for me as I keep progressing, I’m confident in my ability to win the show.”
As Björnsson travels and vacations in Canada, he remains dedicated to following his coach’s guidance, ensuring his training regimen remains on track. A study published in the PeerJ journal revealed the biomechanical similarities between Atlas Stones and exercises like the Romanian deadlift and front squat, underscoring the importance of Björnsson’s comprehensive approach to his preparation.
Concluding his training session, Björnsson showcased his prowess in Fingal’s Fingers and Power Stairs, further demonstrating his well-rounded strongman skill set.
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