Hafthor 'Thor' Bjornsson has shattered the deadlift world record, pulling 505kg at the Eisenhart Black Deadlift Championships in Bavaria on 26 July. The feat marks a new official world record and appears to have ended his long-standing feud with former record holder Eddie Hall.
Hall, who set the previous record of 500kg in 2016, offered a heartfelt congratulations on Instagram. 'Massive respect to Thor for making history and setting the official WR at 505kg,' he wrote. 'That’s one hell of a pull. Records are made to be broken. Big respect, Big Love.'
The rivalry between the two strongmen began at the 2017 World's Strongest Man competition, where Hall edged Bjornsson by a single point. Bjornsson disputed the result, citing officiating standards. Tensions escalated in 2020 when Bjornsson lifted 501kg in his home gym, a record Hall questioned due to the lack of an official competition setting. The dispute led to a boxing match in March 2022, which Bjornsson won by unanimous decision.
Prior to the 505kg attempt, Hall had publicly supported Bjornsson, stating, 'I truly hope he nails it – it would be an incredible achievement and something the whole strength world would celebrate.' He added, 'Thor is one of the greatest strength athletes of all time. His contributions to the sport – from winning World’s Strongest Man to setting records – have inspired millions, myself included.'
With the new record, the eight-year rift between the two titans of strength appears to be resolved, as both men express mutual respect and a shared passion for advancing the sport.
