35 Facts About Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

Early Life and Background

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known for his towering presence and incredible strength, has an intriguing backstory. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. 01Born on November 26, 1988, in Reykjavík, Iceland, Hafþór grew up in a family with a strong athletic background.
2. 02His grandfather, Reynir Ásgeirsson, was a farmer and a strongman, which likely influenced Hafþór's interest in strength sports.
3. 03Hafþór initially pursued a career in basketball, playing as a center for several Icelandic teams.
4. 04His basketball career was cut short due to a recurring ankle injury, which led him to explore other athletic avenues.
5. 05Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, Hafþór's height made him a formidable presence on the basketball court.

Transition to Strongman Competitions

After his basketball career ended, Hafþór found a new passion in strongman competitions. Here are some key facts about his journey in this field.

6. 06Hafþór began training for strongman competitions in 2008, inspired by Icelandic strongman Magnús Ver Magnússon.
7. 07In 2010, he won his first major title, becoming Iceland's Strongest Man.
8. 08Hafþór has won the title of Iceland's Strongest Man every year since 2011.
9. 09He earned the title of Europe's Strongest Man in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
10. 10In 2018, Hafþór achieved his ultimate goal by winning the World's Strongest Man competition.

Acting Career

Hafþór is not just a strongman; he has also made a name for himself in the acting world. Let's look at some interesting facts about his acting career.

11. 11Hafþór is best known for his role as Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane in the hit TV series "Game of Thrones."
12. 12He joined the cast of "Game of Thrones" in its fourth season, replacing actor Ian Whyte.
13. 13His portrayal of "The Mountain" earned him widespread recognition and a massive fan following.
14. 14Hafþór's character in "Game of Thrones" is known for his brutal strength and intimidating presence.
15. 15He has also appeared in several commercials and TV shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Personal Life

Hafþór's personal life is as interesting as his professional career. Here are some facts about his life off the stage and screen.

16. 16Hafþór married Kelsey Henson, a Canadian fitness model, in 2018.
17. 17The couple met in Alberta, Canada, where Kelsey worked as a waitress and asked Hafþór for a photo.
18. 18They have a significant height difference, with Kelsey standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall.
19. 19Hafþór and Kelsey welcomed their first child, a son named Stormur Magni, in 2020.
20. 20Hafþór is also a proud father to a daughter from a previous relationship.

Training and Diet

Hafþór's incredible strength and physique are the results of rigorous training and a strict diet. Here are some facts about his training regimen and dietary habits.

21. 21Hafþór trains six days a week, focusing on different muscle groups each day.
22. 22His workouts include a mix of weightlifting, strongman exercises, and cardio.
23. 23Hafþór's diet consists of around 10,000 calories per day to fuel his intense training sessions.
24. 24He consumes multiple meals throughout the day, including a lot of protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, and eggs.
25. 25Hafþór also takes various supplements to support his training and recovery.

Records and Achievements

Hafþór has set numerous records and achieved remarkable feats in his strongman career. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments.

26. 26In 2015, Hafþór broke a 1,000-year-old Viking record by carrying a 1,433-pound log for five steps.
27. 27He set a world record in the deadlift by lifting 1,104 pounds at the 2020 World's Ultimate Strongman competition.
28. 28Hafþór has won the Arnold Strongman Classic three times, in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
29. 29He holds the record for the heaviest Atlas stone ever lifted, weighing 560 pounds.
30. 30Hafþór has also set records in various other strongman events, including the log lift and keg toss.

Fun Facts

Beyond his impressive achievements, Hafþór has some fun and quirky aspects to his personality. Here are a few fun facts about him.

31. 31Hafþór has several tattoos, including one of the Norse god Thor on his calf.
32. 32He is an avid gamer and enjoys playing video games in his free time.
33. 33Hafþór has a pet Pomeranian named Asterix, who often appears in his social media posts.
34. 34He is fluent in Icelandic and English, and he has a basic understanding of several other languages.
35. 35Hafþór is known for his friendly and approachable demeanor, despite his intimidating appearance.

The Mountain's Legacy

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known to many as "The Mountain" from Game of Thrones, has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment and sports worlds. His journey from a basketball player to a world-renowned strongman and actor is nothing short of inspiring. Beyond his towering physique and impressive strength, Hafþór's dedication, discipline, and versatility have made him a standout figure. Whether he's lifting record-breaking weights or captivating audiences on screen, his achievements remind us of the power of perseverance and hard work. As fans, we can only look forward to what this incredible individual will conquer next. Hafþór's story is a testament to pushing boundaries and redefining limits.