On July 2, 2024, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champ Hafthor Björnsson set an unofficial weight-over-bar world record in training, tossing a 15.5-kilogram (34.2-pound) keg over an eight-meter (26.2-feet) bar.
Björnsson followed this feat with a staggering 435-kilogram (960-kilogram) deadlift, solidifying his position as a top contender for the 2024 Strongest Man on Earth (SMOE) title, scheduled for Aug. 16-18 in Loveland, CO. Check out Björnsson’s toss below:
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Unofficial Keg Toss World Record
Björnsson used a 15.5-kilogram keg, 500 grams heavier than the competition weight. He opined that training with a heavier implement translates to increased height in competition when handling the lighter keg.
The reigning three-time WSM champ Tom Stoltman, former WSM champ Mitchell Hooper, and Wesley Derwinsky jointly hold the current official keg toss world record of 7.76 meters, set at the 2024 WSM finals.
Below is the summary of Björnsson’s weight-over-bar session:
5.80 meters (19 feet) x 2
6.95 meters (22.8 feet)
7.5 meters (24.6 feet)
7.8-meter (25.6-feet) — failed attempt
7.8-meter (25.6-feet)
8-meter (26.2-feet) — failed attempt
8-meter (26.2-feet)
Björnsson comfortably cleared the bar at 5.80 meters (19 feet) for his first two attempts, then progressively raised it to 6.95 meters (22.8 feet) and 7.5 meters (24.6 feet), successfully clearing both.
Despite initial nerves, Björnsson conquered the 7.8-meter height on his second attempt. He then attempted an ambitious eight-meter (26.2-feet) throw, ultimately setting an unofficial WR on his second try.
435-Kilogram Deadlift
Björnsson revealed that his lower back felt slightly stiff after the keg toss session but didn’t expect it to interfere with his deadlift performance, where he aimed to pull 435 kilograms (960 pounds) for a single. Below is a summary of Björnsson’s deadlift session:
170-kilogram (375-pound) x 2
220-kilogram (485-pound)
270-kilogram (595-pound)
320-kilogram (705-pound)
360-kilogram (815-pound)
400-kilogram (880-pound)
435-kilogram (960-pound)
320 kilograms (705 pounds) x 4
Björnsson opened with a 170-kilogram (375-pound) double and progressively added 50 kilograms (110 pounds) to the bar with each set. Despite a flawless 400-kilogram (880-pound) lift, he felt it could have moved faster off the floor.
The Icelandic strongman tackled the 435-kilogram (960-pound) deadlift after a 10-minute rest. A back-off set of four repetitions with 320 kilograms (705 pounds) concluded Björnsson’s deadlift training.
The keg toss and deadlift put the posterior chain under substantial stress. The 35-year-old Björnsson revealed that he has never suffered a back injury in his entire career — remarkable for an athlete widely regarded as one of the strongest deadlifters ever.
Björnsson secured the heaviest deadlift ever pulled on camera at 501 kilograms (1,105 pounds) in May 2020. He also holds the Elephant bar deadlift world record of 472 kilograms (1,041 pounds), achieved at the 2018 Arnold Strongman Classic.
Björnsson carried a 10-meter-long (33 feet), 650-kilogram (1,433-pound) log on his back for five steps at the 2015 World’s Strongest Viking competition, breaking a legendary 1,000-year-old record.
While filming, Björnsson was six weeks out of the 2024 SMOE. The events for that contest is below:
2024 Strongest Man on Earth Events
Max Raw Deadlift
Overhead Medley — Log Lift and Axle Press
Power Medley — features grip and movement
Manhood Stones
Circus Dumbbell Overhead Medley — head-to-head format
Fingal’s Fingers Into Power Stairs Medley — head-to-head format
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Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram
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