Hafthor Björnsson makes a comeback!

On December 3, 2022, Hafthor Björnsson returned to powerlifting. This took place in his home gym in Iceland. He named the competition the 2022 Thor's Christmas Powerlifting Meet. Björnsson was not chasing any records, but wanted to lift 1,000 kilograms (2,204.6 pounds) in total. He almost succeeded, but ended up with a total of 970 kilograms (2,138.5 pounds) due to a failed final deadlift attempt.

Björnsson had prepared diligently for the event, but fell ill just before the competition and lost around 5kg... This was Hafthor's sixth powerlifting competition and his fifth victory. Although he didn't get a new PR, it would be unwise to compare the current Hafthor to his old self from 2018 when he weighed over 195 kilograms (430 pounds).

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Hafthor Björnsson's performance

Squat

• 360 kilograms (793.7 pounds)
• 380 kilograms (837.8 pounds)
• Unsuccessful - 400 kilograms (881.8 pounds)

Bench Press

• 190 kilograms (418.9 pounds)
• 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
• 210 kilograms (463 pounds)

Deadlift

• 360 kilograms (793.7 pounds)
• 380 kilograms (837.8 pounds)
• Failed - 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds)

Total - 970 kilograms (2,204.6 pounds)

Hafthor showed up at the Rogue Invitational Record Breakers in late October, held at Dell Diamond Stadium in Austin, Texas. Bjornsson came for one particular event, the 56-pound (25.4 kilogram) Weight Over Bar. In the end, he cleared a height of 20 feet 3 inches, breaking his previous record! After setting a new record, Bjornsson has rekindled his love for the strongman sport and it is possible that he may decide to return in full force.

"It's really tempting to come back, especially to compete in a show like this. I haven't made up my mind today, but I can tell you that I might be back."

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