Game of Thrones star Hafthor Julius Bjornsson has set a new world deadlift record with a staggering 501kg effort on Sunday (NZ time).
The Icedlandic strongman - better known to most as 'The Mountain' from the hit HBO series - almost made it look easy, as he snapped English rival Eddie Hall's previous mark of 500kg set back in 2016.
Streamed live worldwide, via ESPN, from his hometown gym, 'Thor' began with two successful warm-up lifts of 420kg and 460kg, then reeled off the moneymaker, letting rip with a guttural scream of celebration afterwards.
"I'm absolutely speechless," Bjornsson says. "So happy and thankful. Blessed.
"Everything went according to plans and I'm over the moon.
"I believe today I could’ve done more, but what’s the point? I’m happy with this."
Some controversy surrounded the legitimacy of the record attempt, given it wasn't part of any official competition.
But the lift was eventually sanctioned and carried out using a standard deadlift barbell, with strongman official Magnus Ver Magnusson overseeing as referee.
Asked what was next, Bjornsson has quickly turned his attention to Hall and a potential match with the Englishman, for which he says he's already signed a seven-figure contract.
"Eddie Hall has been running his mouth for two weeks now and I know that he got the same deal.
"So Eddie, I just knocked out your record and now I’m ready to knock you out in the ring."
In addition to his world deadlift record, Thor is a former World’s Strongest Man winner, as well as a five-time Europe’s Strongest Man victor and three-time Arnold Strongman Classic champion.
