Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, also known as Thor Björnsson, was born on November 26, 1988, in Iceland. From a young age, he showed a passion for sports and physical fitness. He started playing basketball and quickly excelled in the sport. Björnsson began his professional basketball career playing for the FSU Selfoss team.
Unfortunately, at the age of twenty, Björnsson suffered a knee injury that ended his basketball career. Determined to continue his athletic pursuits, he turned to strongman competitions. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life and career.
Björnsson's transition to strongman competitions proved to be a successful move. He quickly made a name for himself in the world of strength sports. He was named Iceland's Strongest Man for an impressive five years in a row. Additionally, he won the title of Europe's Strongest Man twice, solidifying his reputation as one of the top strongman competitors in the world.
In January 2015, Björnsson achieved a remarkable feat at the World's Strongest Viking competition. He broke a 1000-year-old record by carrying a 1,433 pound log five steps. This incredible display of strength further established him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of strongman competitions.
Aside from his success in strongman competitions, Björnsson has also made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Gregor Clegane in HBO's hit series Game of Thrones. Björnsson was the first actor to portray the notorious character in multiple seasons of the show.
His impressive physical presence and acting skills captivated audiences around the world. Björnsson's performance as 'The Mountain' in Game of Thrones solidified his status as a versatile talent in both the sports and entertainment realms.
Despite his busy career, Björnsson has always made time for his family. He has a daughter named Theresa Líf from a previous relationship. In 2018, he married Kelsey Henson, and the couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Stormur Magni, on September 26, 2020.
In October 2023, Björnsson and Henson announced that they were expecting their second child together. The growing family continues to enjoy life in Kópavogur, Iceland.
Björnsson's impact on the world of strongman competitions and entertainment is undeniable. His dedication to his craft, both on the strength stage and on screen, has earned him a loyal fan base and widespread admiration.
As he continues to pursue new opportunities and challenges, Björnsson remains a shining example of perseverance and success. His journey from a young basketball player in Iceland to a global powerhouse in both sports and entertainment serves as an inspiration to many.
With his impressive list of achievements and ongoing commitment to his craft, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson has undoubtedly secured his place as a legendary figure in the world of strength sports and beyond.
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