'Game of Thrones' actor sets world record for weightlifting

Hafthor Bjornsson played Ser Ser Gregor 'The Mountain' Clegane on 'Game of Thrones'

Icelandic actor and strongman Hafthor Bjornsson set a world record for the deadlift on Saturday when he lifted 1,104 pounds (501 kg) at Thor’s Power Gym in Iceland, reported Reuters. 

Bjornsson, best known for his portrayal of Ser Gregor 'The Mountain' Clegane on the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, broke the record previously held by Briton Eddie Hall who in 2016 became the first man to lift 500 kg.

The event was streamed live on ESPN here and Bjornsson, 31, lifted the barbell that was bending and straining under the weights, holding it for two seconds before letting go and roaring in delight.

Bjornsson, who is six feet and nine inches tall, is also the winner of the World’s Strongest Man competition from back in 2018.

Speaking in a "behind-the-scenes" video posted on YouTube, Bjornsson said: "I'm extremely proud, you know. I'm extremely happy. It's great - there's nothing better than proving people wrong. So many people didn't believe in me, so many people that said, '501 kg is never going to go up'... But I also had a lot of support."

"I feel healthy, I feel good. I'm just absolutely speechless, even though I'm talking a lot now. But I'm excited, super excited - this is huge for me," he added ecstatically.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below