Game of Thrones star Hafthor Bjornsson sees deadlift world record SMASHED by strongman rival but Mountain has last laugh

GAME OF THRONES star Hafthor Julius Bjornsson saw his deadlift world record smashed by a rival – but still walked away as champion. The Icelandic giant, better known as ‘The Mountain,’ was competing at the Giants Live Strongman Open in Birmingham. Raul Flores prepares to pull a colossal 511kg in his bid to break the deadlift world record Credit: X Flores erupts in celebration after completing his incredible 511kg world-record deadlift Credit: X Bjornsson came into the contest as the reigning Strongman Open champion and the holder of the deadlift world record. But Mexican strongman Raul Flores stole the show by pulling a staggering 511kg to set a new world record. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Flores’ monstrous effort beat Bjornsson’s previous mark of 510kg. And it came in front of a packed crowd at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. Bjornsson had already decided not to chase his own record after struggling with an ongoing knee problem during his build-up. Instead, the 37-year-old focused on defending his overall title. Even so, he showed his incredible strength by locking out 480kg with ease before withdrawing from the deadlift event. That left the door open for Flores to make history. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Raul Flores celebrates his record-breaking achievement alongside Hafthor Bjornsson, aka The Mountain Credit: X Hafthor Bjornsson celebrates after smashing the deadlift world record with a huge 510kg lift last year Credit: Instagram / @giantslivestrongman The 26-year-old had already comfortably lifted 470kg before stepping up for his record attempt. He then somehow managed to break the weight from the floor and grind it all the way to lockout. The bar stalled around his thighs, but Flores refused to give in and eventually received the down signal from referee and four-time World’s Strongest Man Magnús Ver Magnússon. The arena erupted as the new world-record holder celebrated his extraordinary achievement. And Bjornsson was one of the first to congratulate him. The former Game of Thrones actor came out from backstage to pay tribute to Flores, admitting that the Mexican’s achievement was difficult to believe given his age. Flores later revealed the emotional story behind his incredible strength. He proudly showed off a tattoo of his late dog and explained how the death of his beloved pet had encouraged him to start going to the gym. But while Flores took the biggest prize of the night in the deadlift, Bjornsson had the last laugh in the overall competition. Thor went on to win his 10th Giants Live title, retaining the Strongman Open crown. He finished on 50.5 points, five clear of Ghana‘s Evans Nana, who enjoyed the best Giants Live performance of his career. Czech youngster Matyáš Funiok completed the podium in third. Bjornsson had earlier dominated the Titan’s Toss and finished second in the Castle Stones, where he loaded all five stones in just 23.13 seconds. Funiok won the stones event in 22.87 seconds, but Thor’s consistency across the contest ultimately proved decisive. Comment now