Hafthor “Thor” Bjornsson’s Resounding Return to Strongman Dominance at Arnold Classic 2024
Columbus, Ohio – In a triumphant comeback to the strongman circuit, Hafthor “Thor” Bjornsson, the iconic Icelandic strongman widely known as “The Mountain,” showcased his unparalleled strength at the Arnold Strongman Classic 2024 over the weekend. This marked his first official participation in a strongman competition in nearly four years, and Bjornsson left an indelible mark on the event with a stellar performance.
The focal point of Bjornsson’s comeback was the Elephant Bar Deadlift event, where he astounded spectators by effortlessly lifting a staggering 1,006 pounds. This remarkable feat secured his first-place position in the category and marked his 13th career victory at the Arnold Strongman Classic. Notably, the Elephant Bar is designed to be longer than a standard bar, allowing for the accommodation of additional weight.
While the 1,006-pound deadlift is undeniably impressive, it falls short of both the heaviest deadlift on record and Bjornsson’s personal best. The renowned strongman currently holds the world record for the heaviest Elephant Bar Deadlift at an astonishing 1,046 pounds, a record he set in 2019, surpassing his own previous achievement.
Despite ultimately securing a fourth-place finish on the Arnold Strongman Classic 2024 leaderboard, the former World’s Strongest Man champion’s performance reaffirms his status as a formidable contender in the strongman arena. Rumors are circulating about Bjornsson aiming for a new standard deadlift record in the near future, adding an extra layer of anticipation for fans.
The overall champion of the Arnold Strongman Classic 2024 was Mitchell Hooper, the reigning World’s Strongest Man champion. Bjornsson’s impressive return, however, underscores his resilience and determination to reclaim his position at the forefront of strongman competition.
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Bjornsson initially retired from the world of strongman in 2020, embarking on a journey to explore various physical challenges. His dramatic body transformation, shedding 100 pounds and pivoting to boxing, culminated in a historic bout where he knocked out fellow strongman-turned-fighter Eddie Hall in the “world’s heaviest fight.” Since then, he has refocused on strength sports, setting his sights on a raw powerlifting record and documenting his journey on social media platforms. As he once again prioritizes building strength and size, the strongman community eagerly awaits the next chapter in Thor’s extraordinary career.