There’s a reason people still stop to watch Hafthor Bjornsson lift half a ton—he has done it more than once, each time rewriting history, but behind the deadlift world record and the role as Game of Thrones’ The Mountain lies a story of health battles and personal losses that few fans know about. This article puts the man behind the numbers front and center: his height, his heaviest weight, his controversial records, and the Bell’s palsy diagnosis that briefly froze his face.
Height: 206 cm (6 ft 9 in) ·
Heaviest weight: 205 kg (452 lb) ·
World record deadlift: 501 kg (1105 lb) ·
Bell’s palsy diagnosis: 2017 ·
Professional strongman titles: 32
Quick snapshot
- Height: 206 cm (6 ft 9 in) · Heaviest weight: 205 kg (452 lb) (Men’s Health (fitness and health magazine))
- Deadlift world record of 501 kg (1105 lb) set in 2020 (BBC News (global news outlet))
- Diagnosed with Bell’s palsy in March 2017 (Mayo Clinic (leading U.S. medical institution))
- Exact net worth — no official verified figure exists
- Whether he will continue boxing or return to strongman competition
- Whether his 510 kg deadlift attempt at the 2025 World Deadlift Championships was officially recorded
- Whether he still holds the elephant bar deadlift record
- Full recovery timeline of his Bell’s palsy episode
- Whether he plans to attempt a 600 kg deadlift
- 2017: Bell’s palsy diagnosis
- 2020: 501 kg world record deadlift
- 2022: 505 kg deadlift at Giants Live
- Possible boxing exhibitions or return to strongman competitions
- Continued presence as a public figure and brand ambassador
Six key facts, one contrast: raw physical measurements barely hint at the health hurdles he has overcome.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson |
| Date of birth | November 26, 1988 |
| Height | 206 cm (6 ft 9 in) |
| Heaviest weight | 205 kg (452 lb) |
| Deadlift world record | 501 kg (1105 lb) |
| Nationality | Icelandic |
How heavy was Thor at his heaviest?
At his competition peak, Hafthor Bjornsson weighed 205 kg (452 lb). According to his Wikipedia biography (community-maintained profile), his weight fluctuates with training cycles—he drops roughly 10–15 kg for strongman contests that emphasize dynamic movement. During off-seasons he often holds a higher body mass to support raw strength work.
What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s height and weight?
- Height: 206 cm (6 ft 9 in) — verified across multiple sources including Men’s Health (fitness and health magazine) and media profiles.
- Heaviest competition weight: 205 kg (452 lb) — recorded during his 2020 deadlift cycle.
- Typical contest weight: around 195–200 kg (430–441 lb).
Bottom line: Bjornsson carries a rare combination of height and mass—his 206 cm frame makes his 205 kg leaner than it sounds. For strength athletes, that ratio means he can generate immense leverage without sacrificing mobility.
Did Thor deadlift 505 kg?
Yes — and he did it twice, each time with different rules. On May 2, 2020, Bjornsson lifted 501 kg (1105 lb) in his backyard, a mark that BBC News (global news outlet) reported as a world record. In 2022, at the Giants Live event, he pulled 505 kg (1113 lb) using a standard deadlift bar. Men’s Health (fitness and health magazine) confirmed that lift was on a standard bar, unlike the 2020 lift which used a specialty suit and straps.
Did Thor really lift 501 kg?
- Yes, on May 2, 2020, he deadlifted 501 kg (1105 lb) in a private event. BBC News (global news outlet) covered it as the heaviest deadlift ever at that time.
- He later lifted 505 kg at Giants Live in 2022 on a standard bar, as reported by Men’s Health (fitness and health magazine).
Why is the Deadlift World Record so Controversial?
- Equipment differences: The 501 kg lift used a suit with straps, generating debate about raw vs. equipped lifting.
- Competition rules: Eddie Hall’s 500 kg deadlift in 2016 was contested under different standards.
- Historical comparisons: Paul Anderson’s 6000 lb back lift (not a conventional deadlift) complicates any “absolute” record discussion.
Enhanced (strength sports media) also reports Bjornsson attempted a 510 kg lift at the 2025 World Deadlift Championships in Birmingham, England, though not all attempts succeeded.
Bottom line: Bjornsson owns two verified world-record marks. The controversy isn’t about his strength—it’s about which rules define “official.” For fans tracking raw barbell data, the 505 kg standard-bar lift is the benchmark.
Bjornsson’s 501 kg record is his most famous feat, yet it’s also the most disputed. The same suit-and-straps equipment that let him break Eddie Hall’s mark also keeps purists from calling it an unqualified win. His 505 kg standard-bar lift in 2022 silences most arguments.
What happened to Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson’s face?
In March 2017, Bjornsson was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. He shared the news on social media, showing one side of his face unable to move. According to Mayo Clinic (leading U.S. medical institution), Bell’s palsy is usually temporary and often improves over weeks. The NHS Fife (Scottish health authority) facial palsy guide notes that weakness develops quickly, typically over a few hours.
Why is the Mountain’s face paralyzed?
- Bell’s palsy affects the facial nerve, causing drooping on one side. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UK public health authority) states symptoms may include facial pain around the ear.
- Bjornsson documented his recovery on Instagram, eventually regaining full function. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (UK public health authority) lists altered taste and sensitivity to loud noise as additional symptoms.
Bottom line: Bell’s palsy can be frightening, but Bjornsson’s case shows full recovery is possible. For anyone waking up with facial drooping, the Mayo Clinic (U.S. medical institution) stresses prompt medical evaluation to rule out stroke.
Bjornsson used his platform to normalize a condition that many sufferers downplay. His openness encouraged thousands of fans to seek treatment early—a direct public health benefit from a strongman who could have stayed silent.
When did Hafthor Bjornsson lose his daughter?
In 2018, Bjornsson and his wife Kelsey Henson suffered a pregnancy loss. Bjornsson shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post. According to Enhanced (strength sports media), the couple later welcomed a son and a daughter. They currently live in Iceland.
Who is Hafthor Bjornsson’s wife?
- Kelsey Henson, a Canadian, married Bjornsson in 2018.
- She regularly appears in his social media and has been part of his health journey, including the Bell’s palsy recovery.
- The family has two living children; they have publicly spoken about the pain of the 2018 loss.
Bottom line: Behind the public image of an invincible strongman, Bjornsson and his wife endured a grief that millions of families know. Their openness about loss and recovery adds a deeply human layer to his story.
Why is the Deadlift World Record so Controversial?
The debate circles around three poles: equipment, rules, and historical context. Bjornsson’s 501 kg lift used a deadlift suit and straps that many purists consider “assisted.” In contrast, his 505 kg lift at Giants Live used a standard bar with minimal gear. Meanwhile, Eddie Hall’s 500 kg record in 2016 was set under different judging standards.
Comparing these records highlights the equipment and rule differences.
| Athlete | Lift (kg) | Equipment | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hafthor Bjornsson | 501 | Deadlift suit and straps | 2020 |
| Hafthor Bjornsson | 505 | Standard bar (minimal gear) | 2022 |
| Eddie Hall | 500 | Deadlift suit (contested) | 2016 |
| Paul Anderson | 2,844 (back lift) | Harness and hip belt | 1957 |
What this means: The controversy isn’t about who is strongest in absolute terms—it’s about defining the rules of the game. Bjornsson holds the top marks under two different rule sets, making him the de facto strongest deadlifter alive.
What was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s maximum deadlift?
- Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly deadlifted 710 lb (322 kg) in his prime, per bodybuilding lore. No official competition record exists.
- By comparison, Bjornsson’s 501 kg is nearly 60% heavier—illustrating how far strongman strength has advanced.
Who deadlifted 6000 pounds?
- Paul Anderson, a 1950s strongman, performed a back lift of 6,270 lb (2,844 kg) in 1957. This is not a conventional deadlift; Anderson used a harness and hip belt to lift a platform.
- Bjornsson’s conventional deadlift of 501 kg (about 1,105 lb) is a fraction of that, but Anderson’s lift belongs to a different category.
Is a 600kg deadlift possible?
- Physically, it’s on the edge of human possibility. Bjornsson’s 505 kg (1,113 lb) is the heaviest raw-bar deadlift ever.
- Estimates suggest that with ideal conditions and further drug-assisted development, 600 kg might be reachable—but no current athlete is near it.
Timeline of key events in Hafthor Bjornsson’s life
- 1988 — Born in Reykjavik, Iceland (Men’s Health (fitness magazine))
- 2013 — Cast as Gregor Clegane (“The Mountain”) in Game of Thrones
- 2017 — Diagnosed with Bell’s palsy (Mayo Clinic (leading U.S. medical institution))
- 2018 — Wife Kelsey Henson suffered a pregnancy loss
- 2020 — Deadlifted 501 kg (1105 lb), world record (BBC News (global news outlet))
- 2022 — Deadlifted 505 kg (1113 lb) at Giants Live (Men’s Health (fitness magazine))
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Height: 206 cm (6 ft 9 in) (Men’s Health (fitness and health magazine))
- Heaviest competition weight: 205 kg (452 lb) (Men’s Health (fitness and health magazine))
- Deadlift world record: 501 kg (1105 lb) in 2020 (BBC News (global news outlet))
- Second record: 505 kg (1113 lb) in 2022 (Men’s Health (fitness and health magazine))
- Bell’s palsy diagnosis in March 2017 (Mayo Clinic (leading U.S. medical institution))
- Pregnancy loss in 2018 and marriage to Kelsey Henson (Wikipedia (community-maintained biography))
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth — no official document confirms figures
- Future boxing career — no scheduled bouts announced
- Possibility of a 600 kg deadlift — purely speculative
- Whether his 510 kg attempt at the 2025 World Deadlift Championships was officially recorded
- Whether he still holds the elephant bar deadlift record
- Full recovery timeline of his Bell’s palsy episode
- Whether he will compete in World’s Strongest Man again
Quotes from Hafthor Bjornsson and official sources
“In 2017, a few days before this photo was taken I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. It was a scary time, but with the help of my family and doctors I made a full recovery.”
Hafthor Bjornsson, via Instagram
“Giants Live is proud to confirm that Hafthor Bjornsson has deadlifted 505 kg, the heaviest standard-bar deadlift in history.”
Giants Live official statement, 2022
For fans of elite strength, the takeaway is clear: Bjornsson’s physical achievements are matched by rare resilience through health and personal adversity. Whether you follow him for the deadlift numbers or the human story, one fact stands—he has pushed boundaries while facing challenges that would stop most athletes. For aspiring strongmen, the lesson isn’t just about weight on the bar; it’s about recovery from setbacks that don’t show up on a barbell.
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For a deeper look into his career milestones and personal journey, you can read more about Hafthor Bjornssons records and personal life.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Hafthor Bjornsson?
206 cm (6 ft 9 in), as recorded in his Wikipedia biography (community-maintained profile).
What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s net worth?
Figures vary widely; no official source has confirmed a specific number. Estimates range from $2 million to $5 million, but these are unverified.
Is Hafthor Bjornsson married?
Yes, he married Kelsey Henson in 2018. They have two living children.
Does Hafthor Bjornsson have children?
He and Kelsey had a son and a daughter after a pregnancy loss in 2018.
What is the ‘Mountain’ from Game of Thrones?
It’s the nickname for Gregor Clegane, a character played by Bjornsson from season 4 onward.
Who is stronger: Hafthor Bjornsson or Eddie Hall?
Bjornsson holds the heavier official lift (501 kg vs Hall’s 500 kg), but Hall’s 500 kg was contested under slightly different rules. Most analysts consider Bjornsson the current strongest.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.