Hafthor Björnsson Sets Unofficial Weight-Over-Bar World Record in Training
On July 2, 2024, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Hafthor Björnsson showcased his incredible strength by setting an unofficial weight-over-bar world record in training. Björnsson effortlessly tossed a 15.5-kilogram (34.2-pound) keg over an impressive eight-meter (26.2-foot) bar. This remarkable feat was followed by a jaw-dropping 435-kilogram (960-kilogram) deadlift, solidifying Björnsson’s status as a top contender for the coveted 2024 Strongest Man on Earth (SMOE) title, scheduled for August 16-18 in Loveland, Colorado.
Björnsson, who is renowned for his exceptional strength and power, revealed that he trained with a 15.5-kilogram keg, which is 500 grams heavier than the competition weight. He believes that this approach translates to increased height in competition when handling the lighter keg. The reigning three-time WSM champion Tom Stoltman, former WSM champion Mitchell Hooper, and Wesley Derwinsky jointly hold the current official keg toss world record of 7.76 meters, set at the 2024 WSM finals.
“I trained with a 15.5-kilogram keg, which is 500 grams heavier than the competition weight. I believe this approach translates to increased height in competition when handling the lighter keg.”
During his weight-over-bar training session, Björnsson comfortably cleared the bar at 5.80 meters (19 feet) for his first two attempts, then progressively raised it to 6.95 meters (22.8 feet) and 7.5 meters (24.6 feet), successfully clearing both. Despite initial nerves, Björnsson conquered the 7.8-meter height on his second attempt. He then attempted an ambitious eight-meter (26.2-foot) throw, ultimately setting an unofficial world record on his second try.
Following the keg toss session, Björnsson focused on his deadlift training, aiming to pull 435 kilograms (960 pounds) for a single. He opened with a 170-kilogram (375-pound) double and gradually increased the weight, eventually achieving the impressive 435-kilogram lift. A back-off set of four repetitions with 320 kilograms (705 pounds) concluded Björnsson’s deadlift training.
Björnsson, who is widely regarded as one of the strongest deadlifters ever, has an impressive track record in the sport. He has secured the heaviest deadlift ever pulled on camera at 501 kilograms (1,105 pounds) in May 2020 and holds the Elephant bar deadlift world record of 472 kilograms (1,041 pounds), achieved at the 2018 Arnold Strongman Classic. Additionally, he carried a 10-meter-long (33 feet), 650-kilogram (1,433-pound) log on his back for five steps at the 2015 World’s Strongest Viking competition, breaking a legendary 1,000-year-old record.
As Björnsson prepares for the 2024 SMOE, he will face a challenging lineup of events, including Max Raw Deadlift, Overhead Medley — Log Lift and Axle Press, Power Medley, Manhood Stones, Circus Dumbbell Overhead Medley, Keg Toss, Squat Fingal’s Fingers, and Into Power Stairs Medley.
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