One of the great chapters of Strongman history is coming to a close with the retirement of Hafthor Bjornsson.
After winning Iceland’s Strongest Man for a stunning tenth consecutive time, Hafthor Bjornsson shared with fans that he is officially retiring from the sport. Bjornsson is one of Strongman’s modern greats and has often cut a controversial figure on the stage due to the many feuds he’s started with other strongmen and powerlifters. Bjornsson has had some noted disagreements with fellow strongmen and powerlifters Eddie Hall and Brian Shaw, but despite the drama, he’s always brought his all to the competition.
“Great way to finish my strongman career,” began Bjornsson’s statement to fans on his retirement. “Now a different journey starts and I’m super excited. It’s been a great time in the sport of strongman but I’ve decided that I’m going to take a long break from the sport…I’m still only 31 years old and could come back in a few years if my heart wants it! Right now my heart tells me that I need to be healthy for my family and do what’s best for them! Thanks to you all for your support over the years.”
Let’s take a look at some of the incredible accomplishments Bjornsson was able to achieve in his years as a strongman competitor.
He’s the world record holder for the deadlift.
His epic 501 kg deadlift is not one to be forgotten soon. This is the legendary lift that made him the world record holder for heaviest deadlift. Of course, many of the haters said he couldn’t do it, but that didn’t stop him. He continued to train until he was able to achieve his goals, and what an incredible result came out of it when all was said and done. It’s icing on the cake that he was able to beat longtime rival Eddie Hall for the title.
He’s everyones fairy lifting godfather.
Okay, so this maybe isn’t that much of an achievement, but it’s nice to see a professional athlete who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
He’s won Iceland’s Strongest Man ten times!
This killer shot is from his ninth win, but it’s no less impressive than any of the other ones. To win a title like that once is something; to do it ten times in a row, and to beat competitors who are almost a decade younger than you, is basically unheard of. It’s incredible feats of strength like these that made Bjornsson a living legend of the sport.
He’s the Mountain!
I mean, the man is literally so strong and huge he was hired out by big Hollywood just to play the most massively strong character possible. He was a part of what was probably the biggest pop cultural craze we will ever witness in our lifetimes.
Thank you, Thor, for everything you’ve given us. Best of luck on the next chapter of your story!
*All images and media courtesy of Instagram.
