“The Mountain” challenges Elon Musk

Powerlifter Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson — better known worldwide as The Mountain — has challenged billionaire Elon Musk, owner of the platform X and founder of OpenAI, to create a strength-training robot.

There is little doubt that Hafþór is among the strongest men in the world. Recently, he set a new world record in the deadlift by lifting 505 kilograms at a powerlifting competition in Germany. In addition, he already holds 127 world records along with numerous other achievements in the sport.

Björnsson was a guest on Dagmál with Kristín Sif Björgvinsdóttir, where he discussed weightlifting, his career, and his personal life, among other things.

Elon Musk congratulates him on the record

As reported, Hafþór recently broke his own deadlift world record. His previous record, set at 501 kilograms in 2020, took place at his gym in Iceland during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it controversial in some circles. Hafþór says that his current record feels like an even sweeter victory.

Congratulations have poured in from around the globe, but Hafþór admits that the most surprising message came directly from Elon Musk himself — something he hadn’t expected at all.

Hafþór is far from done, aiming to break the record again in Birmingham on September 6 with a planned 510-kilogram lift.

Social media opens new doors

Björnsson actively shares his work on social media, primarily Instagram. However, he also sees new opportunities by engaging on X, where some of the world’s biggest names exchange views and interact, especially in the United States.

Among the many messages he has received was an invitation from none other than Hollywood star and wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who invited Hafþór to train with him. This could open doors as Hafþór sets his sights on participating in more film projects — and it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a training partner in Hollywood.