Who is Hafthor Bjornsson, when did he become the World’s Strongest Man and who are the Game Of Throne star’s ‘brothers’?
The mighty Icelandic strong man has just set the new elephant bar deadlift world record
HAFTHOR Bjornsson is a force to be reckoned with in the world of weightlifting.
Here's everything you need to know about the record breaker and Game of Thrones star...
Who is Hafthor Bjornsson?
Hafthor Bjornsson, 29, was born in Reykjavík, Iceland.
he is 6ft 9" tall and weighs around 430 lbs.
He started his sporting career as a basketball player for the Division One club Breioablik in 2004.
He later played for clubs Úrvalsdeild and FSu Selfoss.
In 2008 Hafthor entered the world of weightlifting after meeting strongman Magnús Ver Magnússon at the gym.
He won several strongman competitions in Iceland including Strongest Man in Iceland and Iceland's Strongest Viking.
In 2011 he entered the World's Strongest Man contest as a wildcard and came sixth overall.
In March 2017 Hafthor was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a type of facial paralysis.
What is Hafthor Bjornsson's deadlift record?
On March 3, 2018, Hafthor broke the elephant bar deadlift world record by lifting 472 kg (1,041 lb) on his thrid attempt.
This meant he ranked first in the Arnold Strongman Classic 2018 contest.
The previous elephant bar deadlift world record was held by Jerry Pritchett at 467 kg (1,030 lb), which was set at the Arnold Strongman Classic 2017.
This version of the elephant bar deadlift is "raw", i.e no suit is allowed, only belt, straps and hitching.
When did he become the world's strongest man?
Hafthor was named the world's strongest man on May 6, 2018 after being the runner up the two previous years.
The 29-year-old made light work of the competition in Manila, Philippines, storming to victory in his qualifying group before winning the Overhead Press and Loading Race in the finals.
Who are Hafthor Bjornsson's "brothers"?
Hafthor Bjornsson doesn't actually have any brothers.
In 2017 a picture circulated of the strongman with two professional basketball players which was entitled "brothers" - but not in the biological sense!
Hafthor does however have a girlfriend, Kelsey Henson who stands in his shadow at only 5ft 2".
In 2016, Hafthor co-founded the spirit brand Icelandic Mountain Vodka.
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Who does Hafthor Bjornsson play on Game of Thrones?
Hafthor Bjornsson plays Ser Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane on Game of Thrones.
He joined the HBO series for season three in August 2013.
Hafthor was the third actor to play the character and succeeded Conan Stevens (season one) and Ian Whyte (season two).
Hafthor also played Mongkut in the 2017 film Kickboxer: retaliation.