Hafthor Julius Bjornsson: Game of Thrones star says he ‘could have done more’ after breaking deadlift world record

He lifted one kilogram more than previous record holder to earn the feat

The actor who played The Mountain in Game of Thrones, is celebrating after successfully deadlifting more than any other human in history.

However, shortly after Icelandic star Hafthor Júlíus Björnsson broke the world record, he admitted he “could have done more”.

Björnsson, who won fans for his portrayal of the towering Clegane brother in the HBO series, deadlifted 1,104 pounds live on ESPN – that’s 501 kilograms – with relative ease.

The previous record was 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds), which was lifted by Eddie Hall in 2016.

After breaking the record, he wrote on Instagram: “I have no words. What an amazing day, one I will remember for the rest of my life. I said I was coming for it, and once I set my mind on something, I’m a dog with a bone.

“I want to give a huge shoutout to my family, friends, coaches, fans, sponsors and haters, all of whom helped this lift be possible.”

Björnsson​ had previously shared his training experience on his YouTube channel.

In 2018, he was named the World’s Strongest Man. He finished silver at the contest in the past two years.

In 2017, Björnsson – who played The Mountain from season four onwards –​ told Entertainment Weekly about the bizarre requests he kept receiving from fans of Game of Thrones.

One viewer asked him to “squeeze [their] eyes out” in reference to a famous season four scene in which his character is shown doing exactly this to another.

“That’s very popular,” he added. “Or pick them up over my head. But the most popular is to squeeze their eyes out.”